As a leader, how strong is your personal brand? It’s an important question, especially if you are working to establish your leadership brand. I introduced this in my last post, here.

Leaders are primarily known for how they act, especially in tough and trying situations. This goes both positively and negatively.

Leaders with strong personal brands have honed their personal skills to be reliable and trustworthy under pressure. This includes being calm, reasonable, and poised. People put their faith in leaders who are a rock in a storm because this represents safety and security.

Another aspect of strong brand behavior is genuineness. Leaders who demonstrate transparency and humility are trustworthy. Their brand stands out as a pleasant departure from a leadership norm that lacks these traits.

Similarly, a brand of refinement and integrity is admirable. If you are a leader known for doing the right thing, being responsible for your actions, taking the heat, and giving credit where credit is due, then your brand will rise to the top.

Having confidence in your abilities, based on your competence and experience, is a great brand booster. People can see this in how you speak and carry yourself. However, if this carries over into overconfidence, pride, or arrogance, your brand can be negatively impacted. An experienced executive coach can advise you on the image you portray, and help you reverse any adverse behaviors.

Other personality traits can help to build a solid leadership brand. Leaders who are firm, but fair, earn high praise. People want the ability to do their jobs well, and understanding when conditions prevent it.

Fair treatment, acknowledgment, and reward are the benefits employees receive from strong leadership brands.

Additionally, a leadership style that is prepared and knowledgeable fashions a respected brand. People want leaders who know what they’re doing and can anticipate things that go south; because they do. Being teachable is an extra benefit that lets people know you are real, can relate, and don’t pretend to have all the answers. Few things darken a leadership brand more than a leader who talks more than they listen.

What do you think?

How do your behaviors impact your leadership brand?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

You can reach me here and on LinkedIn.