In her book Dare to Lead, Brene Brown defines leadership as, “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” When you hear that definition of leadership, how does it land on you? Whether you are an entrepreneur, or you work in a corporation, non-profit, organization, school system, the government, or you are part of an activist group or faith community, do you see the role you play as a leadership one?

How would you feel if I told you you have what it takes to lead right now, in your current position doing the work you do every day? Before you give me the side-eye, check out this post I wrote recently on ​Designed to Lead: 7 Leadership Styles Grounded in Your Strengths. After reading this, I think many of you will agree that you are, in fact, a leader.

In addition to the myths surrounding what leadership means that I share in the post, there is just a lot of confusion around what it looks like to lead. This is why, in my “Leadership Brand Assessment” quiz, I highlight distinct leadership styles.

To give you additional clarity, I’m going to share a secret: Who you are is how you lead. Mull that one over in your mind cause it’s deep. Yep, who you are is how you lead. What this means is that your values, your persona, your character, your faith, personality, strengths, weaknesses, all these inform how you lead others.

Let’s look at how your values inform your leadership style. Let’s say one of your top values is “making a difference.” As a leader, having an impact in your area of gifting will be especially important to you. It would be impossible for you to manifest changes you want to see in your sphere without you commanding a measure of influence in your field. This may be influence over your colleagues, your clients, your constituents, or your “people.” The way you wield your influence sheds a light on your leadership style.  

While my guide looks at seven distinct Strengths-based Leadership styles, you can also pull out any of your top strengths and examine how it impacts your style.  

In terms of personality, how you step into your work and passions is all predicated on your level of confidence. Your confidence level will inform how you lead because it will shape your interactions with others. A confident leader is not afraid of making tough decisions, going against popular opinion, shaking things up a bit.  A leader lacking confidence, on the other hand, may come across as people-pleasing, risk-averse, or too easily swayed by the loudest voices in the room.

If you’re a woman of faith, this will play a significant role in your leadership brand. My clients who are Christian leaders, lean on their beliefs to inform their ethical practices in their business, the way they conduct their business, and how they serve their clients. Tangible examples of this include a woman of faith who cares more about her impact in her circle than her popularity on social media. Or a leader who decides to tithe 10% of her profits to a ministry that is near to her heart. Or a leader who lets her love for her employees be evident in the way she cares for them and ensures they have a positive and supportive work environment.

Again, the point I’m trying to emphasize is that who you are is how you lead. The question becomes then how do you cultivate a leadership style that is aligned with the very best of who you are? More specifically, if you want to lead more effectively and impactfully, what things do you have to work on in yourself?

I would love to hear your feedback. Abound in your brilliance, leader!