Authentic Me

Welcome to the new look of Glow Leadership!

Last summer I met my Graphic Artist, Gerry Babuin of Digital Crayons . I am sure for Gerry it was a rather interesting meeting. I told him that I was naming my blog Glow because of my desire to enhance and draw out the unique potential that already exists within each individual. I also told him that my look had to be strong, professional and aimed at a corporate audience. I could not come across as too “out there.” I chose a tag line that resonated with my outside voice – Activating Higher Potential. Those who work with me know the highly pragmatic, direct, results oriented driver that gets results. I am known for saying things like, “there are no rainbows and ponies in HR, just strategy to deliver excellence and people practices that positively impact bottom line results.”

A few months ago I was on a call with one of my senior leaders and he said something that drew attention to the fact that I swear when I am frustrated. I thought about it for days after the conversation. Why do I swear when it is clearly not common place in my organization? I went on line and looked up “how to stop swearing.” The key to changing the behaviour lies within understanding why you do it. So I pondered. I do not swear at home – why do I do it at work? When I started my career after a year of travelling as a Chapter Consultant for my sorority, my colleagues referred to me as “Princess.” I was perceived as “the girl at the office,” or “a cheerleader for the people.” My first job and every job since have been in male dominated industries – automotive, building automation, accounting software and now retail hardware. I wanted more than anything to be viewed for who I really was – a competent and equal contributor that understood the business and could add a lot of value. So I became one of them. Because I respected them and felt they were great leaders, I emulated them. I swore when I was frustrated, I said “dude” when things went well and I treated work and the business with a no nonsense, results focused approach.

Glow’s previous look was in alignment with that part of me. The part that felt I needed to lead with in order to be respected and taken seriously. But what I have learned and experience more and more is that the true power and competence lies in being authentic. Real me is strategic, competent, and results focused; however, there are much greater depths to me than just that. I am also creative, intuitive, compassionate and above all want to help people create a life with meaning and balance to ultimately get to that space we call fulfillment.

To be a truly exceptional leader we need to let go of who we think we should be and embrace who we really are. When we are authentic, people will follow us to wherever we want them to go.

I challenge you to think about who you might try to emulate to gain respect or buy in.
What are your true gifts, talents and authentic style? What can you do to let go of the mask
and embrace your true greatness?