---

In the face of today´s business challenges, the demand for a more genuine leadership style is arising. Authentic Leadership as a way to authentically relate to oneself and others is meant to create meaning, trust and confidence amongst followers. At the same time, the Buddhist concept of Self-Compassion is becoming popular in the Western academic world. This study offers first insights into the relationship between Authentic Leadership and Self-Compassion. Theoretical similarities and connections between the two constructs are being presented. An online study (N=50) got conducted, asking young professionals from the international student organization ´AIESEC´ about Authentic Leadership attributes and self-compassionate behaviours. Data analysis showed a weak positive correlation between Authentic Leadership and Self-Compassion. Methodical limitations of the study are being demonstrated. Implications for Authentic Leadership research and practice are being discussed, concluding that Self-Compassion could enhance the theoretical operationalization of authenticity as well as the intense process of Authentic Leadership Development.
This study was shortlisted for the Association of Business Psychologist´s Workforce Experience Award in 2014.

---

Britta Tondock, M.Sc., was born in 1985 in Northeim, Germany. After finishing her apprenticeship as a banking specialist, she graduated in Business Psychology at the Leuphana University Lüneburg in 2011. After doing a half-year internship in an educational institution in Brazil, she she finished her Master´s degree in Business Psychology at the Westminster University in London with distinction. Throughout her studies, she collected valuable practical experience in conducting teambuildings, Train-the-Trainer-seminars and leadership development courses for members of an international student organisation. Her high interest in personal growth and it´s value for organizational development brought her to conduct this study.

---