What’s Your Leadership Style?

As a sneak peek at a longer interview I did for the Abundant Culture podcast, I want to let you in on one of my favorite conversations that we covered in the episode, which will be released in June.

How do you create your best leadership style? How do you adapt a leadership style that resonates with you, means the most to you, and really expresses who you are?

Let’s talk about three ways to unlock your leadership style.

1)      Look to the Leaders You Admire and Appreciate

Whether it’s watching the news, reading biographies and autobiographies, or going to different conferences, make sure you are exposing yourself to different types of leadership. This is especially important if you have never related to yourself as a leader before. It’s important to find people who look like you, think like you, and inspire you. This will help you realize the qualities you want to bring into your own style.

2)      Define What You are Leading For

I would argue that this is the most important step. To use myself as an example, I became a coach and leader because of how many women I saw around me that had created so much success for themselves and their companies, had been so talented and hard-working, but ultimately were exhausted and not enjoying any of it. Witnessing that was heart-wrenching. I wanted those women to get what a contribution they are, and also be able to revel in all that they have created in their lives.

That vision for women became my “what for” as a leader. It also became the way for me to practice what I preach.

So as a leader and coach myself, it continues to be important for me to notice if I have access to my joy. If I speak from being inspired by what I do, or if I speak from being exhausted by it. If I am working on my work-life balance myself, and always practicing saying “no” to things and taking care of myself, or if I’m not. My “what for” vision informs who I need to be in the world, so I can see it fulfilled.

3)      Take Inventory of Everything Amazing About You

I have noticed a misconception that coaching is about fixing everything that is wrong with you—like you need to be stripped apart and put back together in a better way. I don’t actually agree with that idea. I believe that everything we bring has its gifts, strengths, and benefits.

To again use myself as an example, I can be very competitive. My competitiveness helps me stay on top of my game. It has me willing to produce results and gives me the stamina to keep going even when I don’t really want to.

At the same time, competitiveness doesn’t always breed the strongest relationships or best connections with people. So too much of it can end up burning bridges when I don’t mean to.

But rather than make it about not being competitive at all, it’s important to see what it’s valuable for, as well as where it doesn’t work. It’s not about throwing all of it away, but rather always building awareness around how to apply your skills with intention so that you are receiving the maximum benefit of them, rather than losing out on some of the costs or consequences.

Let me know what you believe your leadership style to be. If you are totally stuck, I have a great free assessment available to help you see the benefits and costs of your current leadership style.