OUR CORE

The Authentic Development Cycle (ADC) is based on four core concepts: authenticity, vulnerability, connection, and development. It starts with authenticity- being real and transparent, just as you are in your strengths and weaknesses. Full authenticity cannot be achieved with courageous vulnerability- being able to fully let yourself be seen. As we engage in vulnerable authenticity, we allow ourselves to create connections and develop relationships, an innate human need. Connections and relationships are the basis for growing in resilience, self-esteem, and the feelings of worth and belonging. It is through resilience, self-esteem, and worthiness we develop through growth and change. Development, growth, and change create a euphoria that results from feeling stronger and more fully realized, creating a desire for more growth and starting the cycle all over again. To better understand how the ADC facilitates leadership development in adolescent girls we will share how research shows that each concept plays an important role in the continual refining process of becoming our best, authentic selves.

Authenticity

Authenticity is a well-developed self-awareness. It is allowing our strengths and weaknesses to be fully seen. Being authentic is a choice that we make everyday to meet ourselves where we are, just as we are, transparently and courageously. Authenticity takes time, awareness, and courage to continually step into the cyclical refining process that occurs throughout life’s journey[i].

Vulnerability

Vulnerability is not a weakness, contrary to traditional societal beliefs. It is strength and requires courage that is vital to authenticity. It carries risk, uncertainty, and exposure for judgment, but vulnerability is where learning begins. It is where we create, innovate, and change. It is where joy, love, and worth and belonging are sowed[ii].

Connection

Connection is an irreducible need of being human and is linked to worth and belonging. Feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves, a sense of belonging, and social support can lay foundations for learning and development as well as lead to higher self-esteem, healthier choices, reduced levels of stress, and comfort to take more risks and grow[iii].

Development

Development, growth, and change are catalysts to authenticity. Resilience, self-esteem, and worthiness are essential pieces of development, growth, and change. Resilience, or the ability to move through and bounce back from fears, insecurities, and adversities, can be strengthened through taking part in relationships that promote development, growth, and change[iv]. Self-esteem, which is about developing confidence and respect in who you are, is a personality trait highly associated with resilience[v]. Worthiness is a choice to know that you are enough just as you are[vi].

[i] Brown, B. (2010a). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you're

supposed to be and embrace who you are. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing;

   Cashman, K. (2008). Leadership from the inside out: Becoming a leader for life. San

Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.

[ii] Brown, B. (2010a). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you're

supposed to be and embrace who you are. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing; Brown, B. (2012a). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms

the way we live, love, parent, and lead. New York, NY : Gotham Books, c2012.

[iii] Brown, B. (2012a). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms

the way we live, love, parent, and lead. New York, NY : Gotham Books, c2012;

   Hartling, L. (2008). Strengthening resilience in a risky world: it's all about

relationships. Women & Therapy, 31(2-4), 51-70 20p;

   Simmons, R. (2013). Girls and leadership. Camping Magazine, 86(6), 28-31.

[iv] Hartling, L. (2008). Strengthening resilience in a risky world: it's all about

relationships. Women & Therapy, 31(2-4), 51-70 20p;

[v] Hartling, L. (2008). Strengthening resilience in a risky world: it's all about

relationships. Women & Therapy, 31(2-4), 51-70 20p;

[vi] Brown, B. (2010a). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you're

supposed to be and embrace who you are. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing