Are you leading as yourself, or as the person you think you SHOULD be?

One of the most important and transformational questions I came across a few years ago was “What’s wrong with being me?”

It was one of those ‘Ahaa’ moments, and things have never been the same since. I realised that actually there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m just the same as others in some ways, and in other ways I have a unique contribution to offer. Once I began to accept myself for who I was, warts and all, leadership in my work (and my life) became a lot simpler, and much more satisfying.

We think of great leaders as those who have led us through the greatest challenges in the world - Ghandi, Nelson Mandella and Mother Theresa, for example. But what sets them apart from us? Do we have the potential to demonstrate this level of leadership? Why not? After all, they were simply human too. I believe they were able to access their potential through authenticity, focus, truth, determination, and holding on to a vision.

The majority of us spend a huge amount of time worrying about the unkown and trying to cover up our vulnerabilities, thinking we should BE a certain way. Who said so? My belief is we are at our most powerful when we open up and lead from the heart. Many blue chip national and international organisations now recognise the power of this type of leadership.

In order to lead more authentically, it’s important you become more comfortable with who you are. Start by trying out some of these techniques:

·         Think about what you are thinking about – Start to become aware of your thoughts and concerns. Gently (with a smile) challenge those which are holding you back, knowing that most of them are unfounded;

·         Build in quiet time – As little as ten minutes can make a huge difference to your performance and productivity. Answers to your challenges will come a lot quicker if you give yourself some breathing space;

·         If you resist, it persists – Start to recognise your weaknesses as your strengths, by accepting them as an important part of who you are. You will find your mind will then focus on the positive contribution you are making;

·         Avoid comparing yourself to others – What’s right for them may not be right for you, and vice versa. We all have our unique contribution to make. Focus on yours, not theirs;

·         Accept what is – Spend less time worrying about what will happen next, and focus your attention on what is happening NOW, whilst holding in mind a positive vision for the future;

·         Focus on what REALLY matters – We often get stuck on the small detail, especially in our professional and personal relationships. Choose the battles worth fighting, and let the rest sort themselves out;

·         Listen to your body – If whatever you are embarking on feels like an uphill struggle, and creates anxiety, relfect on why you are doing it. Ask yourself whether you are doing something because it’s the right thing to do or because it’s what you think you should do?

·         Trust – Develop trust in yourself first, and trusting others will follow.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
-  C.G. Jung