What lives in the soul of the leader?
I have never met anyone who can conceal who they are all the time. Everyone likes to put on a good face, but eventually our true essence, or soul, will emerge.
Occasionally, you might find yourself tempted to lead from a place that is different than your heart. You read something new, hear some new information, or maybe you feel pressure from your organization to act and behave like a different person. Don’t fall into this trap! The leader must be able to consistently understand the difference between changes that lead to real growth versus changes that lead them away from their heart. One of these will grow your leadership, the other will erode your integrity. To successfully navigate this constant demand for change, the leader must stay self-aware and centered. Don’t ever be afraid to stay the course and don’t take the temping detours we call the “latest trend.” Leadership is profoundly much easier once you stop letting the clutter influence your heart.
The leader must embrace their own story. It is a story full of moments of pride and shame, but most importantly it is a story of how to overcome even the greatest of challenges. Remember, your story will be the story of your organization.