Personal branding is about making a full-time commitment to the journey of defining yourself as a leader and how this will shape the manner in which you will serve others. It's not a fixed entity, it will develop and grow with you alongside the forever-changing workplace landscape. Managing your personal brand requires you to be a voice that others can depend upon.
Your personal brand should represent the values you are able to deliver consistently to those whom you are serving. This doesn't mean you should simply be showcasing your achievements and success stories. What are the special assets, skills and experience you bring to the table? How do you want to be known? What will you leave behind? It's your individual Trademark, it must be protected whilst being continuously shaped, and as such is delicate -- treat it wisely. Your personal brand is an asset that must be managed with the intention of helping others benefit from having a relationship with you and by being associated with your work.
"Innovation is only possible when people are empowered and encouraged to be themselves (live their personal brand). It thrives in an environment that celebrates differences, where everyone works together for the betterment of a healthier whole." Glen Llopis
So, it's a leadership imperative?
YES. The way we at The Colour Works see it is this -- Personal Branding is you being true to yourself; and that speaks volumes when interacting with others. It significantly demonstrates your authenticity because you're acting in a way that is consistent with your vision of who you are, what you're good at and what matters most to you, both professionally and personally. Think of it as your mission statement as an individual; your message should come across in everything you say and do.
To truly live your brand, you must first define it. If you haven't thought about yours yet, give it a go. The process of actually getting down on paper, or getting clear in your head what it is that you stand for is an extremely powerful exercise. Defining your Personal Brand Statement is a tremendously invaluable learning experience that enhances not only the way you communicate yourself to the world but also your ability to achieve your career goals. Concentrating on digging down so deep in yourself can be hugely frustrating. As a society, we simply don't do it much! With practices such as Mindfulness on the rise in the work environment, we're moving in the right direction, but if you haven't paid yourself much attention recently it can be pretty difficult to know where to start.
The Colour Works run workshops that get delegates understanding behaviour and the impact it has on their world and the relationships in it. Enhancing your ability to challenge yourself and communicate better with others is one huge step that can aid in paying yourself some well-deserved attention.
Be mindful of how others, consciously or not, are perceiving you, and what you want others to experience about you.
Leaders are faced with a multitude of unforeseen situations at work and throughout their careers. If you are leading in ways that come most naturally to you, and making decisions before circumstances force your hand -- you're allowing your Personal Brand to organically evolve, grow and flourish. This means that you are proactively managing your brand, rather than allowing those around you to define who you are and what you stand for as a leader.
Only you can tell your story. Leaders who are actively and successfully managing their Personal Brand continually cultivate innovation and initiative, and set the pace for others to follow suit. They inspire their people, encourage them to explore ideas and solutions and support them by nurturing a collaborative, resourceful network of creativity -- the necessity of which is ever-increasing in response to the demand for cultivating a truly unique brand personality.
Be proactive. Be visible. Be collaborative. Be passionate.
