Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, shaped by your unique values, experiences, and aspirations. If you don’t take the time to define your leadership identity, others may do it for you—and that’s rarely aligned with your true self.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
- What it means to define your leadership identity
- Why it’s crucial for your growth and impact
- Three actionable steps to shape your authentic leadership style
What is Leadership Identity?
Let’s start with a key question: Who are you as a leader?
If your initial thoughts are about your job title, responsibilities, or achievements, you’re not alone. Many of us define leadership by what we do. But true leadership identity goes deeper—it’s about who you are and how you show up in every interaction.
Do you find yourself emulating other leaders, only to feel inauthentic? That’s because leadership that doesn’t align with your core values can feel forced. Defining your own leadership identity allows you to lead authentically and with confidence.
Three Steps to Define Your Leadership Identity
Step 1: Identify Your Core Values
Your values are the foundation of your leadership identity. They guide your decisions, shape your interactions, and define what matters most to you as a leader.
Reflect on these questions:
- What values are most important to me?
- How do these values influence my leadership decisions?
- What kind of environment do I want to create for my team?
Actionable Tip: Write down 3–5 core values that resonate deeply with you. For instance:
- If collaboration is a core value, you might prioritize team input and foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.
Step 2: Embrace Your Strengths and Growth Areas
Your leadership identity is a balance of celebrating your unique strengths and acknowledging areas where you can grow.
Ask yourself:
- What are my natural leadership strengths? (e.g., communication, problem-solving, empathy)
- How do I inspire and motivate others?
- What feedback have I received about my leadership style?
At the same time, think about where you’d like to improve. For example, you might want to strengthen your conflict resolution skills or become more decisive in high-pressure situations.
Key Insight: Leadership is a journey. Embracing both your strengths and growth areas fosters self-awareness and authenticity.
Step 3: Craft Your Leadership Vision
Your leadership vision is your North Star—a clear statement of how you want to lead and the impact you want to make.
Use this formula to create your vision:
As a leader, I strive to [your leadership goal] by [how you’ll achieve it] because [the impact you want to make].
Example:
“As a leader, I strive to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging creative thinking and risk-taking because I believe it drives growth and resilience.”
Actionable Tip: Write down your leadership vision and revisit it regularly. It will serve as a compass to guide your decisions and actions.
Why Defining Your Leadership Identity Matters
When you’re clear about your leadership identity:
- You Lead with Confidence and Consistency: You’re less swayed by external pressures and more rooted in your values.
- You Build Trust with Your Team: Authenticity and self-awareness create stability, integrity, and inspiration.
- You Stand Out as a Leader: People admire leaders who embrace their unique identity and lead with intention.
Think about the leaders you admire. Chances are, they’ve defined their leadership identity, and it’s reflected in their unique communication style, decision-making approach, or ability to inspire.
Quick Exercise: Define Your Leadership Identity
Grab a journal or open a notes app, and reflect on these three questions:
- What are my core values as a leader?
- How do I want others to describe my leadership style?
- What impact do I want to have on my team, organization, or community?
Take your time with these reflections. Revisit your answers regularly, as your leadership identity may evolve over time.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership identity starts with your core values: These are your guiding principles in every decision and interaction.
- Celebrate your strengths and embrace growth: Leadership is a journey, not a destination.
- Craft a leadership vision: Define how you want to lead and the impact you aspire to make.
Your Next Steps
Set aside 15–20 minutes to reflect on your leadership identity. Use the three steps outlined in this episode to identify your core values, embrace your strengths and growth areas, and craft your leadership vision.
Remember: Defining your leadership identity isn’t just about the leader you are today—it’s about the leader you aspire to become.
Final Thoughts
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about leading with authenticity, embracing your unique strengths, and aligning your actions with your values. By defining your leadership identity, you’ll create a foundation for confident, purposeful, and impactful leadership.
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Next Episode Teaser:
Join us for the next episode as we explore Tackling Gender Bias in the Workplace. See you then!
Highlights
- [00:45] Defining Your Leadership Identity
- [02:03] Identifying Your Core Values
- [02:48] Embracing Strengths and Growth Areas
- [03:31] Crafting Your Leadership Vision
- [04:21] The Importance of Leadership Identity
- [05:17] Exercise: Define Your Leadership Identity
- [06:03] Conclusion and Next Steps
Resources and Links
- Follow me on social media for more personal growth tips @andreacmclean
- Read my blog post Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Strategies for Leaders to Unlock Their Value
