The Untold Secret of Effective Leadership Development
Does the age-old question, "What are you passionate about?" bring up a knot in the pit of your stomach? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, a 2017 Deloitte study found that only 13% of the US workforce are passionate about their jobs. Discovering and developing your passion can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
In the world of leadership development, we've heard about numerous theories and strategies—transformational leadership, servant leadership, situational leadership, and more. However, what's often missing in these discussions is a focus on alignment and authentic leadership. As leaders, we often focus on goals and strategies, but true leadership is about aligning with who we are. For Enneagram Type 3s like myself, achieving goals comes naturally. But leadership is more than just reaching targets; it’s about staying true to our values and inspiring our teams by being authentic.
And you might be asking yourself, "What does it really mean to be authentic?" Or you might think, "I am an authentic leader; I act like myself." But I challenge you to get real with yourself. Do you align your values with your work, or do you just do what is needed to get the job done?
Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself, your values, and leading with integrity. It involves self-awareness, transparency, and consistency in behavior. This approach fosters trust and genuine connections with your team. Authentic leadership is the untold secret to sustainable leadership, helping leaders not only achieve their goals but also inspire and motivate their teams in a meaningful way.
3 Simple Tips Aligning with Your Passions and Leading Authentically
As an Enneagram Type 3, I excel at setting and achieving goals. However, I realized that leading authentically means more than just hitting targets. It involves staying true to who I am and connecting with my team on a deeper level.
In my work with developing leaders, I often find that they are initially searching for the next best strategy to motivate their teams. But as we peel back the layers, we start with the foundation of aligning their actions with their core values.
This shift from strategy to authenticity helps them lead with intention and clarity.
🌟THREE TIPS 🌟
1️⃣ Create a Personal Vision Statement
A personal vision statement is a picture of your future life. It serves as an inspiration and foundation for your planning and goal setting. It defines what you want to accomplish in your life, both personally and professionally. In leadership, having a clear vision helps you stay focused and aligned with your goals, providing direction and motivation for both you and your team.
Action: Start writing your personal vision as if you are watching it play out. Write it in the present tense and be specific. Dream big and don’t be afraid to sound silly. For example, I wrote my vision statement about leading a coaching business that empowers leaders to connect authentically. This vision guides my daily actions and long-term goals, helping me lead with intention and clarity.
2️⃣ Unearth Your Values
Your values are the core beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. Knowing your values helps determine your goals and priorities. In leadership, being clear about your values ensures that your decisions and actions are consistent, fostering trust and respect from your team. Some of my core values are honesty, authenticity, balance, and connection. Recognizing these values has helped me create a fulfilling work/life balance.
Action: Write down three things that make you truly happy and why they bring you joy. These answers will likely reveal your core values. For instance, I find joy in helping others grow, which aligns with my value of connection and informs my coaching approach.
3️⃣ Find Your Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive that compels you to engage in activities for personal satisfaction. According to Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, intrinsic motivation is crucial for sustained engagement and well-being. Understanding what internally motivates you is key to finding your passions. In leadership, fostering intrinsic motivation within yourself and your team leads to more meaningful and sustained engagement.
Action: Reflect on what type of impact or goal excites you. What makes you feel complete and present? For example, I feel most motivated when I see my clients achieve breakthroughs, which fuels my passion for coaching. This intrinsic motivation helps me stay committed and enthusiastic, even during challenging times.
Your Challenge for this Week
This week, focus on aligning your actions with your core values to practice authentic leadership. Take a moment each day to reflect on your decisions and interactions. Ask yourself if they truly represent your values and who you are as a leader. Make adjustments as needed to ensure authenticity in your leadership style. Notice how this alignment impacts your relationships and effectiveness as a leader.
By focusing on authentic leadership, you'll build deeper connections, foster trust, and inspire your team more effectively. Every step towards authenticity is a step towards becoming a more impactful and genuine leader.
As always, I LOVE hearing from you… what are you taking from today’s content?
Comment below or email me at info@brandystamper.com
Until next week, keep thriving!
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