The Exceptional Leader

PERSONAL BRANDING

At the risk of being cliché, “there is only one you.” However, truly understanding and owning this fact, is so worth the cliché. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, what motivates you, and what makes you special are the foundation of personal branding.

Personal branding involves you taking the initiative to define yourself instead of allowing others to define you. Whether you are actively shaping your brand or not taking any steps at cultivating your personal or professional image whatsoever, everyone has a brand that is either positive, negative or somewhere in the middle. Currently, Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods are examples of personal brands on both ends of the positive and negative spectrum. From her talk show that reaches millions, to her generous charity work, to her financial supports of films with an uplifting message, Oprah has one of the strongest brands on our planet. A brand so strong, that with one book recommendation during her book club segments, an author can become and instant best seller.

The key to a pronounced brand is self awareness. Take a critical look at yourself and make an honest assessment of the image you project and its impact on others.

10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand

-Be Authentic

-Have Integrity

-Live and Work in Your Passion

-Respect Others and Their Time

-Always Exceed Expectations

-Keep Your Promises

-Build a Diverse Network

-Get Involved, Volunteer and do Special Projects

-Take on a Leadership Role and be Visible

-Know What You are Famous For

Be Authentic

No one is as good at being you as you. Genuineness can be quite refreshing in the professional arena. Showcasing the “real” you allows you to exude calmness (as there is no extra effort required on your part) and in turn, puts everyone around you more at ease. I have found that being authentic (while being respectful and tolerant) can be quite contagious. If you are not fond of the outdoors, it is not wise to volunteer to head a company whitewater rafting outing. Likewise, if you are unfortunately in the midst of colleagues telling demeaning jokes in which you find offensive, laughing or continuing to remain in their presence eats away at the core of who you proclaim to be. While compromise is essential to success, understand your strengths and challenge areas, while standing firm on your basic values.

Live and Work in Your Passion

Are you working for a purpose or a paycheck? You must discover your passion. Not society's passion. Not a family member's passion, but your passion. Once you truly discover it, you owe it to yourself to pursue this passion with extreme tenacity. Each day you work at a job that does not bring you joy, you not only cheat yourself out of true happiness and the pursuit of excellence, but you cheat your world out of your unique gifts. Granted, in this difficult economic times mired with layoffs and cutbacks on educational funding, we oftentimes feel we are forced to work at jobs that do not bring any personal fulfillment, but simply to make ends meet. This is a sad reality. However, even though you may find yourself in situation that does not fit your passion, never loose sight of it. Dedicate an allotted time each day in pursuit of your desired goal - whether this entails researching your desired field or occupation on-line, taking preparatory classes, volunteering, applying for internships, or attending seminars. This consistent pursuit of your passion serves as a consistent internal reminder that your current position is a temporary one, and this continued effort and refusing to settle increases the opportunity you will make a quicker transition into the position you desire.

WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF LEADERSHIP?

"The true leader serves. Serves people. Serves their best interests, and in doing so will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price." Eugene B. Habecker

The journey to extraordinary leadership begins with the 5 core principles.

-Service

-Trustworthiness

-Engagement

-Vision

-Innovation

SERVICE

One of the most admirable traits of an effective and respected leader is that of service. It is vital that these motivators of men and women believe in and dedicate their efforts to causes greater than themselves and their own ego. This sense of service is also an excellent motivating tool, as it becomes contagious to others who work for the leader. There is no greater motivating force than being an active example of what you ask from others.

This spirit of service embodies a willingness to do all it takes to foster the proper environment, for growth, development, engagement, and profitability. A dynamic leader must possess an inner drive that entails helping subunits and colleagues alike become the most productive yet fulfilled workers imaginable.

Great leaders make service a common practice in their daily lives. An exceptional leader makes it their duty to get to know their team members and clients. They also make a point to interact with the people in their community and industry, and they create an open door policy so consistent communication between them and the people they work with is always there. If you are a new leader in your organization and you don't have direct reports you can demonstrate your leadership through opening doors for others, creating learning and development opportunities to your team members and community. It is your responsibility to find out what the needs are and create solutions that will meet the needs of the people. To serve is to be selfless and to commit to enhancing the situations around you.