Be your unique leader
Leadership is often portrayed as a formulaic process, with countless articles, books, and workshops dedicated to cultivating specific leadership styles. As someone who has developed and trained numerous workshops on leadership, I am acutely aware and guilty of the pressures and the paradox of this approach. Despite our best intentions to empower others, we may inadvertently contribute to the idea that there’s a “correct” type of leader to be. This creates a scenario where people feel the need to mold themselves into a particular style of leadership. However, this approach often leads to frustration, disillusionment, or even giving up on the pursuit of leadership altogether.
The leadership landscape can sometimes feel like a revolving door of trends—one month, the focus is on being an authentic leader, the next, the spotlight is on servant leadership, followed by agile or transformational leadership. This constant shift can make it seem as though leadership is about adopting the latest “flavor of the month.” While there is nothing inherently wrong with drawing inspiration from various leadership styles, the problem arises when individuals try to force themselves into a mold that doesn’t align with who they truly are.
So, what happens when we try to be something we’re not? The answer is often disheartening: we get frustrated, feel inadequate, or simply quit trying. This is because leadership, at its core, is not about conforming to a specific template but about harnessing your unique strengths, values, and experiences. It’s about being your unique leader.
The illusion of the perfect leadership style
The idea that there is a perfect leadership style that fits all situations is a myth. Each leadership style has its strengths and weaknesses, and what works well in one context may not be as effective in another. For example, authentic leadership, which emphasizes transparency and staying true to one’s values, might be highly effective in a stable organization where trust and long-term relationships are paramount. However, in a rapidly changing environment where quick decisions and adaptability are crucial, an agile leadership style might be more appropriate.
Similarly, servant leadership, which focuses on serving others and prioritizing the needs of the team, can be incredibly empowering in environments where collaboration and team cohesion are critical. However, in situations that require strong, directive leadership to navigate crises or implement significant change, this approach might fall short.
The point is that no single leadership style is universally applicable. Yet, the pressure to adopt the right style can lead to a disconnect between who we are and how we lead. When we attempt to embody a leadership style that doesn’t resonate with our true selves, it can create internal conflict, resulting in stress, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment.
Embracing your authentic leadership
The key to overcoming this challenge lies in embracing your authenticity as a leader. Authentic leadership isn’t about adopting a specific set of traits or behaviors; it’s about being true to yourself and leading in a way that aligns with your values, strengths, and personality.
One of the most powerful aspects of authentic leadership is that it allows you to build trust and credibility with your team. When people see that you are genuine and consistent in your actions and decisions, they are more likely to trust and respect you. This trust is the foundation of effective leadership, enabling you to inspire and motivate others to achieve common goals.
But what does it mean to lead authentically? It means understanding and embracing your unique qualities—those that make you who you are. It means recognizing that your experiences, values, and perspectives are valuable assets in your leadership journey. Rather than trying to fit into a predefined leadership style, focus on cultivating your unique approach to leadership.
The role of self-awareness
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of authentic leadership. To lead authentically, you must first understand yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. This requires introspection and a willingness to engage in self-reflection. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What are my core values, and how do they influence my decisions and actions?
- What are my strengths, and how can I leverage them to lead effectively?
- What are my weaknesses, and how can I address them or surround myself with others who complement my abilities?
- What motivates me, and how does this motivation impact my leadership style?
By answering these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how you can best lead others. This self-awareness allows you to align your leadership style with your authentic self, making your leadership more effective and fulfilling.
The power of vulnerability
An essential component of authentic leadership is vulnerability. Often, leaders feel the need to project an image of strength and infallibility. However, true leadership is not about being perfect; it’s about being real. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you show others that it’s okay to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. This vulnerability creates a culture of openness and psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, taking risks, and learning from failures.
Vulnerability also fosters deeper connections with your team. When you share your challenges and uncertainties, you humanize yourself and create a sense of shared experience. This, in turn, builds trust and loyalty, as team members see you as approachable and relatable.
Adopting characteristics, not personas
While it’s important to lead authentically, this doesn’t mean you can’t adopt characteristics from different leadership styles. The key is to integrate these characteristics in a way that aligns with your authentic self, rather than trying to become someone you’re not.
For example, you might admire the empathy and supportiveness of servant leaders and choose to incorporate these qualities into your leadership style. At the same time, you might value the decisiveness and vision of transformational leaders and decide to adopt these traits as well. The goal is not to become a carbon copy of any particular leadership style but to create a unique blend that reflects who you are as a leader.
Incorporating characteristics from different leadership styles can enhance your versatility and adaptability as a leader. It allows you to respond effectively to different situations and challenges while staying true to your core values and strengths.
The infinite possibilities of your leadership DNA
Just as every person’s DNA is unique, so too is your leadership style. The number of possible DNA combinations is essentially infinite, which means there is only one you in the entire world. This uniqueness extends to your leadership style—no one else has the same combination of experiences, values, strengths, and perspectives that you do.
When you embrace your uniqueness, you unlock the full potential of your leadership. You stop trying to fit into a predefined mold and start leading in a natural and authentic way. This not only makes you a more effective leader but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your leadership journey.
Your unique leadership style is a powerful asset. It allows you to connect with others in a genuine and effective way. It enables you to inspire and motivate your team by being true to yourself. It empowers you to lead with confidence, knowing that you are not trying to be something you’re not and instead, you are embracing your authentic self.
The effect of being your own unique leader
When you lead authentically, the effect on your team and organization can be profound. Authentic leadership fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation. It encourages others to bring their whole selves to work, to share their ideas and perspectives, and to contribute to the success of the team.
Moreover, authentic leadership creates a ripple effect. When you lead by example and show others that it’s okay to be themselves, you empower them to do the same. This can lead to greater diversity of thought, creativity, and innovation within your organization. It can also improve employee engagement and satisfaction, as people feel valued and respected for who they are.
Being your own unique leader also means taking responsibility for your growth and development. It means continuously seeking to improve and refine your leadership style while staying true to your authentic self. This requires a commitment to lifelong learning, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt and evolve as a leader.
Deliberate practice | Exercise
The concept of leadership is often presented as a set of predefined styles or characteristics that individuals should strive to emulate. However, true leadership is not about conforming to a specific model but about embracing your unique qualities and leading in a way that aligns with your authentic self.
Ask yourself these two questions:
What makes you a unique leader?
What makes you unique from other leaders?
Focus on your uniqueness and your strengths and write these in your journal. Be self-aware throughout the day and continue to assess who you are as a leader. By doing this deliberate practice, over time you will begin to see who you really are as a leader.
By being your own unique leader, you can build trust, credibility, and influence within your organization. You can create a positive and inclusive work environment where people feel valued and empowered to contribute. And most importantly, you can lead with a sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that you are making a difference by being true to yourself.
In a world where leadership trends come and go, the most enduring and effective leaders are those who stay true to themselves and lead with authenticity. So, rather than striving to be the leader of the month, focus on being the best version of yourself. Embrace your uniqueness, leverage your strengths, and lead in a way that only you can. The world doesn’t need another copy of a leadership style—it needs you, with all your uniqueness and authenticity, leading the way.
Don’t wait for tomorrow, tomorrow never comes. What you have is today and this is the best time to begin anything.
