Construct a Leadership Brand Statement and Test it.

I want to be known for being ______________ so that I can deliver __________.

1. Does this brand identify the best response to my personality and what I can do? (If you lived this leadership declaration, would you see yourself as successful? Are you willing to tell others this is your personal leadership brand?)
2. Does this brand identify something that creates value in the eyes of my organization and key stakeholders? Is this something that is needed?
3. What risks am I taking by exhibiting this brand? (What will the brand keep you from understanding and doing? This is an important questionchoosing a brand identity that supports organizational values but not your values and strengths can be tempting. For example, technical know-how is valued over salesmanship or interpersonal strengths in many technology-oriented firms. It would be a mistake, however, even in such an organization, to disguise yourself as a technical leader if what drives you is something else. Acknowledging the things your brand keeps you from understanding and doing helps you build a team that can compensate for areas that are not your strengths and increases your leadership efficacy.)
4. Can I live this brand? (Do you have the ability to translate the qualities you articulate in your leadership brand statement into day-to-day behavior? Can you make specific time commitments to live the leadership brand you espouse? Can you translate it into the decisions and choices you make?)