Who you have been…. is not as important as who you are becoming. It’s time to bring greater intention to who you are becoming as a leader. When you do, leading will be infinitely easier and more fulfilling.

The definition of identity according to Merriam Webster is “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual”. Oxford defines it as “who or what somebody is”. Psychology Today describes it the following way: “identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self. This amalgamation creates a steady sense of who one is over time, even as new facets are developed and incorporated into one’s identity”.

Our identities are not set in stone, rather, they continue to evolve throughout our lifetimes. Forming our identity involves:

1) discovering and developing our potential
2) choosing our purpose and
3) finding opportunities to exercise that potential and purpose.

Our identity reflects the values we hold which directly impact the choices we make.

Emerging leaders often struggle with their leadership identities because it’s not something everyone is taught in school or on the job. One’s leadership identity doesn’t suddenly appear out of the blue because one has been bestowed a leadership role. So, if this concept is new to you and not something you’ve given much thought to before, you’re not alone! But it’s time to change things.

You have the opportunity to get clear on your leadership identity so that you can make decisions and take action with greater ease and more leader-like confidence.

The following reflection exercise will help you get clear on your leadership identity and only requires:

• 30 – 60 minutes of your time
• A quiet spot where you can relax and think uninterrupted
• A pen and paper

Once you’re ready, ask yourself the following questions and begin thinking about and capturing your thoughts. There are no right or wrong answers and no one right approach to answering the questions. You are naturally resourceful and creative and have the answers within you.

1. How do I view myself as a leader currently?
2. What is the impact I have as a leader today?
3. What is the impact I actually want to have as a leader?

Next, reflect on and capture examples of ways you show up as a leader today in your day-to-day work. Think about things such as:
• Your presence
• Your attitude
• Your behaviors
• Your habits
• Your communication
• Your relationships

Reflect on what you’ve just captured and then ask yourself:
• How do my actions/behaviors/priorities allow me to serve others and/or my organization?
• Is there something more or different I could be doing to be of greater value and service to the people and outcomes of the organization I’m leading within?

Now, take a few moments to consider the following:
• How do my answers to the previous questions correspond with the impact I wish to have?
• If I were to bring more intention and thoughtfulness to these facets of my leadership approach, what might I do differently?
• What might I stop doing?
• What might I start doing?

Lastly, consider your values.
• What are my top ones?
• How do I or how can I ensure they’re reflected in how I lead?
• How might I make my values known to those I work with?

When you’re clear on your core values and those you work with are clear on them as well, they are more likely to anticipate and support your decisions and choices because they know what matters most to you. Even when others may not view things the same way you do, they can respect your consistency around what drives your questions, ideas, and actions. They understand your motivations. And because they know what you care about, they can begin to approach their collaboration and work with you in a way that fosters greater connection and win-win outcomes.

When you start to get clear on your answers to these leader identity reflection questions you will find yourself being more thoughtful about your choices in your day-to-day work as a leader. Your increased awareness of self will begin to empower you to bring intentionality and consistency to your leadership approach. As others experience your more intentional leadership it will lead to you developing a leadership reputation and brand that is truly aligned with the identity you have thoughtfully carved out for yourself.

Navigating leadership is always challenging but it becomes increasingly easier when you know who you are and aspire to be as a leader and you are clear on the impact you want your leadership to have. Areas such as decision-making, communication, and prioritization for example, become more instinctual. Additionally, being in touch with your leader identity allows you to trust your gut more because you have already done the heavy work of becoming more self-aware and aware of others and can now be nimbler in taking action.

The best part about establishing your leader identity is that who you wish to be as a leader is something you control! You can fuel your own leadership success by taking time to uncover and nurture your leadership identity now and at any point throughout your leadership career.