How to Cultivate your Leadership Identity

One of the misunderstandings that persists in the discussion about leadership is the idea that there is one prescribed formula or way to be a leader. While yes, I believe that there are beliefs, skills and behaviors that set great leaders apart from others, leadership is also a deeply personal process of evolution that happens throughout your career and never really ends.

Your Leadership Identity is an Evolving Process
A recent article from Forbes, How your Leadership Identity Transforms over time, describes how your leadership identity changes and develops throughout your career. It starts with early childhood experiences where the primary influence in your life is family. Especially parents, are role models who demonstrate behaviors and the consequences of life-choices. In later childhood, educational settings shape your leadership identity through the impact of teachers, coaches and peers. This is when individuals might experience their first leadership roles such as captain of a sports team or president of the student council. ​

Susan Barry, Host at Top Floor and President of Hive Marketing discusses how her family has influenced her leadership identity.

As adults, real-world experiences play a large role in shaping your leadership identity. In the workplace, adults learn through day-to-day trial and error and being faced with challenges. You may find mentors that inspire you and display leadership traits you would like to emulate. As a mature leader the cumulative experiences and understanding of the different complexities of leadership shape a more nuanced version of your leadership identity. Emotional intelligence, adaptability and an understanding that one of your most important jobs is to empower others play a huge role in your leadership identity. 

​A Strong Leadership Identity Builds Authenticity, Trust and Confidence
Understanding your leadership identity is important in many ways. First, it creates authenticity and an ability to connect on a meaningful level with others. This in turn builds trust. With a deep understanding of your leadership identity, you have guideposts for navigating uncertainty, challenges or inspiring team members towards common goals. This builds confidence and contributes to better outcomes. Finally, your leadership identity is also a way of communicating who you are to the outside world. The people you work for get a better understanding of what to expect from you. A strong leadership identity also contributes to your personal brand and can lead to opportunities that are meant for you. 

Cultivate you Leadership Identity through On-Going Reflection
Uncovering your leadership identity is a continuous process of experimentation, reflection, learning and growth. Having a growth mindset - the belief that your abilities, intelligence and qualities can change and develop - is an inherent requirement of cultivating your leadership identity. Here are some ways you can cultivate yours:

Reflect on your childhood experiences

• What standards and principles were displayed by your parents or family members that had a significant impact on you?
• What influence did other adults have in your life such as teachers and coaches?
• What early leadership roles did you have and what did you learn from those experiences?

Reflect on work and leadership experiences

• What pivotal life and career experiences have you had and what did you learn from them?
• What have been your successes and failures and what did you learn from them?
• Who are leaders you respect and what about them do you admire?

Reflect on who you are now

• What are your values?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you believe?

Reflect on who you want to be

• What do you still need to learn?
• What do you want to leave behind?
• What would you regret not doing at the end of your leadership career?

In the end, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a personal journey that evolves over time, shaped by experiences, mentors, and self-reflection. By continuously uncovering and refining your leadership identity, you can lead with authenticity, build trust, and create meaningful connections. Embracing a growth mindset allows you to adapt, learn, and ultimately empower others while staying true to your unique values and vision. Leadership, at its core, is about understanding who you are, who you aspire to be, and using that clarity to inspire and uplift those around you.