By Katherine Vanderberg, Principal and Coaching Practice Lead
Leadership isn’t just about managing teams or achieving business goals; it’s about leaving a mark and influencing and inspiring others.
An ideal way to make an immediate and lasting impact as a leader is to create a well-crafted leadership brand statement that serves as a guide to your actions, communication and decision-making.
Your brand statement reflects your core values as a leader; it is a clear and concise summary of your unique leadership skills, qualities, and attributes.
It’s a blend of your strengths, talents, and aspirations combined with your predominant leadership style and philosophy. It captures the essence of who you are as a leader and the value you bring to those you lead.
Creating your leadership brand statement is not just an exercise in self-reflection. It’s a powerful tool for personal and professional development. It helps:
- Clarify Your Identity: Understand your core leadership style and how it aligns with your values.
- Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your leadership philosophy to your team, colleagues, mentors, and potential employers.
- Guide Decision-Making: Align decisions with your vision and values to maintain authenticity.
- Inspire and Influence: Empower others through a clear understanding of your leadership approach.
Consider the following key elements as you begin to develop your leadership brand:
- Values: What principles are most important to you?
- Vision: What long-term impact do you wish to create?
- Strengths and Talents: What are your core competencies and unique abilities?
- Aspirations: What are your future goals as a leader?
- Leadership Style: Are you a transformational, servant, or strategic leader?
To create a strong leadership brand statement, follow these steps:
- Reflect Deeply: Spend time considering your experiences, successes, and setbacks. Identify moments when you felt you truly embodied leadership.
- Gather Feedback: Seek input from trusted colleagues, mentors, and peers to understand how they perceive your leadership.
- Identify Patterns: Analyze the feedback to identify recurring themes, including strengths, areas for growth, and consistent values.
- Draft and Refine: Write a concise statement (1-2 sentences) that embodies your values, vision, and leadership style.
Examples include:
- “As a collaborative and empathetic leader, I inspire teams to achieve their highest potential while nurturing a culture of mutual respect and innovation.”
- “I am a strategic visionary committed to driving impactful change through empowering others and fostering an environment of growth and accountability.”
Your Leadership Brand in Action
Your leadership brand statement is a living reflection of your growth as a leader. Use it to guide your decisions, communicate your leadership philosophy, and inspire those around you.
Revisit and adjust it as your career evolves, ensuring it remains a true reflection of your leadership journey.
Take the time to craft your unique leadership brand statement. It’s a valuable investment in your personal and professional growth that can help you lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.