Now, there are some wonderful resources out there about leadership presence. Quite frankly, I find most of it intimidating, and a little bit pompous. Like we have to be all puffed up and grand to have leadership presence.
So here’s a quote from Shonda Rhimes’ book that captures leadership presence in a more accessible way.
“If I don’t poke my head out of my shell and show people who I am, all anyone will ever think I am is my shell.”
I have spent a lot of my life showing my shell. And guess what? My shell’s not that great (I’m not talking about what I look like). The real me, the quirky, sometimes witty, sometimes tells jokes that fall flat, is really interesting for a few people, disliked by a few people, and not yet discovered by many. But when I show people who I am, I create relationships that really matter.
And leadership presence, how you show up, that’s what creates the relationships that matter in your work.
Now, the way you show up – you can make that as puffed up as you like. Or down to earth. Or exude excellence, competence, or warmth. Or a gets shit done vibe.
You can make it whatever you want.
Just don’t show up in your shell. Your shell is never as fabulous nor as magnetic as your true self.
Please come out of your shell and show us who you really are.
“What’s a leadership series? How’s it different from the thought series or coaching tips? Good questions.“ This series gives you tips to take your own leadership to the next level, and ways you can extend your own capabilities. Ready to take your skills to the next level, but aren’t sure where to start? Get in touch with me.