Leadership. It’s a word tossed around with reverence, a mantle bestowed upon those who inspire and guide. But what truly defines a great leader? Is it a pre-defined set of traits, a one-size-fits-all mold we must squeeze into? Absolutely not. The power and impact of leadership lie in the audacity to forge your own path, to define the leader you want to be.

The allure of pre-packaged leadership styles is undeniable. Bookshelves groan under the weight of titles promising to turn you into a “visionary leader,” a “democratic leader,” or a “transformational leader.” While these frameworks offer valuable insights, relying solely on them creates a fundamental problem: inauthenticity.

Trying to embody someone else’s definition of leadership is like wearing clothes several sizes too small. It might look impressive from afar, but it restricts your movement, stifles your voice, and ultimately hinders your ability to connect with those you lead.

So, how do you break free from the mold and define your leadership style? Here’s the secret: create your own leadership manifesto.

This manifesto isn’t a rigid list of traits; it’s a living document that reflects your values, strengths, and aspirations as a leader. It’s a compass guiding your decisions and actions, ensuring you lead with authenticity and impact.

The Challenge of the Borrowed Robe:

Before delving into crafting your manifesto, let’s explore the pitfalls of adopting leadership styles wholesale. Here are a few key challenges:

• Loss of Authenticity: Leaders who mimic pre-defined styles often come across as forced or inauthentic. This disconnect erodes trust and weakens team dynamics.
• Ineffectiveness in Certain Situations: There’s no single leadership style that works across all situations. Rigid adherence to a borrowed style can lead to missed opportunities and ineffective responses to evolving situations.
• Stifled Growth: By trying to fit someone else’s mold, you neglect to develop your unique strengths and leadership voice.

The bottom line: leadership is not about blind imitation. It’s about harnessing your own strengths and cultivating a style that resonates with you and your team.

Crafting Your Leadership Manifesto:

Now comes the exciting part – building your own leadership compass! Here’s a roadmap to guide you:

1. Self-Reflection is Key: Start with introspection. What are your core values? What motivates you? What leadership qualities do you admire in others (and why)? Consider your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness becomes the foundation for your leadership philosophy.
2. Identify Your Leadership Archetype: Leadership archetypes are generalized models that represent specific leadership styles. While you won’t perfectly embody one, use archetypes for inspiration. Explore the “Servant Leader,” who prioritizes the needs of others, or the “Visionary Leader,” who inspires with long-term goals. Choose archetypes that resonate with your values and aspirations.
3. Define Your Leadership Pillars: Distill your self-reflection and leadership archetypes into a set of core principles. These are the pillars on which your leadership style rests. They could be things like “transparency,” “empowerment,” or “continuous learning.”
4. Articulate Your Leadership Behaviors: These are the everyday actions that reflect your leadership pillars. How will you demonstrate “transparency”? Perhaps by holding regular open forums or providing detailed project updates.

Living Your Manifesto:

Your leadership manifesto isn’t a static document. It’s a living guide that needs constant evaluation and refinement. Here are some practices to keep it relevant and impactful:

• Daily Reflection: Take a few minutes each day to assess your actions against your leadership pillars. Did you live up to your manifesto today? Identify areas for improvement.
• Seek Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from team members, mentors, and colleagues. Ask them how they experience your leadership. Be open to honest criticism and use it to refine your style.
• Celebrate Victories: Acknowledge moments when your leadership style has had a positive impact. This reinforces your chosen path and boosts your confidence.
• Adapt and Evolve: The world of leadership is dynamic. Be prepared to learn, adapt, and refine your leadership manifesto as you gain experience and navigate new challenges.

The Power of Authenticity:

By defining your own leadership style, you unlock a powerful truth: leadership is personal. When you lead with authenticity, you inspire trust, ignite followership, and foster a thriving team environment. People connect with genuine leaders, and genuine leaders connect with people. It’s a powerful synergy that drives success and paves the way for a more fulfilling leadership journey.

**Remember, leadership isn’t about mimicking others.

Think of leadership as a symphony, not a solo. Great leaders blend their unique instruments with the talents of their team members to create a harmonious and powerful performance.

By defining your own leadership style, you become the conductor, not the copycat. You orchestrate the strengths of your team, creating a symphony of success that resonates with everyone involved.

The post Forge Your Own Path: The Power of Defining Your Leadership Style appeared first on Business Advisor and Executive Coach | Doug Thorpe.

Doug Thorpe MBA, CLC, CEC

Small business owners will hit an invisible wall that can stall the growth of the company. The key reason there is a wall is that owners need to shift from manager to leader. The question is, how to do that?

Doug is a coach for CEOs and Senior Leadership Teams with 30 years of leadership experience. He is the president & CEO of Doug Thorpe Group. Doug is also a podcast host.

He helps owners understand the ways they need to reshape their thinking and attitude to make a successful break through the wall.