Episode 38: Identity & Leadership

As leaders, understanding who we are and how we lead is critical for success—not just for ourselves, but for the teams we serve. In Episode 38 of the podcast, Identity and Leadership, I shared my journey through an identity exercise. Today, I’m diving deeper, offering you a practical strategy to identify your superpower and position your leadership team to complement it.

Here are five actionable steps to help you define your unique leadership identity and empower your team for maximum impact.

Step 1: Create a Leadership Identity Statement

Start by reflecting on your accomplishments, challenges, and core strengths. Use this exercise to define the essence of your leadership:

1. Take a sheet of paper and divide it with a horizontal line in the middle. Split the top half into two columns, creating three sections overall.

2. In the left top box, list your top five leadership accomplishments. In the right top box, write the top five leadership challenges you’ve overcome.

3. In the bottom half of the page, list 3–5 skills or talents you relied on to achieve your accomplishments and overcome your challenges.

4. Circle the one skill you feel is your greatest and give it a title—examples might include "strategist," "mediator," or "peace-maker."

5. Finally, bring it all together in a single statement. For example:

   “I am a dynamic connector who uses communication, strategy, and empathy to bridge gaps and help teams achieve collective success.”

This statement becomes a cornerstone for understanding how you lead and how you can maximize your impact.

Step 2: Identify Your Weaknesses

Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about leveraging the strengths of others to complement your gaps. Make a list of:

• Things you struggle with, no matter how hard you try.

• Tasks you can do but dislike and tend to avoid.

Look around your team. Is there someone who excels in the areas where you falter? Consider how you can exchange tasks or responsibilities to let everyone focus on what they do best.

Step 3: Discover Your Blind Spots

Blind spots can derail even the strongest leaders. Take the time to reflect on recurring issues:

• Patterns in the types of challenges you face or people you tend to hire.

• Processes or decisions that rarely work as intended.

Identify common traits or warning signs you’ve overlooked. Are there team members who excel at spotting these issues early? Lean on their insight to anticipate and prevent future problems.

Step 4: Assess the Strengths of Your Team

Make a list of your team members’ strengths. Understanding their unique capabilities will allow you to align their roles with their gifts.

Step 5: Restructure for Success

Use your insights to reassign responsibilities and, if necessary, restructure your team. Allow people to operate freely in their strengths, fostering an environment where both individuals and the collective team can thrive.

The Big Picture

This five-step exercise can transform your leadership approach and your team’s productivity. By understanding your superpower, addressing weaknesses, and leveraging your team’s strengths, you’ll set your organization up for success in the year ahead.

If you need support or personalized coaching, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to create a stronger, more aligned team.