Nowadays, we hear a lot about personal branding these days. But why? What does it actually mean? Is it really even necessary?
With rapidly changing technologies and ever-growing social media platforms, creating a strong, unique, and clear personal brand is critical to maintaining a competitive edge, for individuals and businesses alike. Leaders especially can no longer afford to fly under the radar, in order to be recognized and respected, creating a genuine brand is key.
There are many different kinds of branding, including consumer, personal, corporate, and employer. In part, a brand outlines a company’s, individual’s, or employer’s core principles and the value they offer to the people they serve (e.g., consumers, business partners, employees). A brand is what you develop and what others perceive.
A leadership brand accomplishes all of this, but it is specific to who you are as a leader. Your personal strengths and talents plus your behaviors (e.g., what you do, how you do it, what you prioritize) equal your value to the audiences and people you serve. In effect, your brand is your reputation: what you want to be and are known for. Now, do not try to fake it as people can “smell” it!
There obvious reason for strengthening your leadership in order to strengthen your Company’s brand:
- Be authentic. A genuine, authentic leadership brand that is true to your purpose will gain you the respect and trust of your colleagues, peers, and clients. An honest reflection of yourself as sometimes you just got to face the brutal truth about yourself in order to improve.
- Be an inspiration. Studies show that employees are more engaged when their leader is operating at his or her best. When you perform at your best, so will your employees. After all, teamwork makes dream work
- Are you able to deliver? No point talk but not deliver positive results. Follow through and deliver on the goals you and your organization have set out to achieve.
Leadership values evolve as one moves from junior to senior management and duties, priorities, and responsibilities change. Thus, it is crucial that you identify the values and competencies you will need in order to meet your goals. Leadership leads to good branding can help you lead and overcome your derailers and blind spots. It can inspire and engage your employees and co-workers. Most importantly, it can also help you achieve higher success. Last but not least, great leaders create more leaders, not followers.
