The Brand New Leader

Book excerpt: The extensive leadership literature of our day focuses on the what and how of leadership. Numerous definitions, concepts, behaviors, and traits of leadership aim to pinpoint the "magic formula" -from a blanket approach--that makes leadership effective. One vital, yet often overlooked, area lacking in these conversations is the emphasis on the personal connection to leadership. This book takes a deep dive into the notion of leadership as a personal brand. It provides theories, strategies, examples, and tactics along with evidence suggesting that leadership derives from -- and is influenced by -- a more personal context. Chapters draw from the belief that there is no separation between the leader and the person holding the leadership title. The leader's identity has a direct correlation to who the leader is as a person rather than a function. Leadership values stem primarily from personal values, experiences, beliefs, and other influences, and thus, the perceptions of a leader are automatically associated with that person-- the individual. Accordingly, if leadership output is personal and the outcomes are personal to those influenced by the leader, then one who is considered an impactful leader is the result of both their personal attributes and their application of concepts and theories. The way a leader leads originates from a customized selection of leadership styles, strengths, and approaches that are unique to each person and based on their exposures and influences. This book also explores a personal branding approach to leadership development. It explains leadership branding as an acknowledgement of leader's reputation. How one is viewed as a leader becomes personal once those perceptions are used to identify the leader. They comprise the leader's brand-reputation. In recognizing leadership as a personal brand, the book incorporates branding concepts and how these contribute to leadership development, responsibility, and outcomes. The subject of this book is strategic leadership development. Readers will use the customized Leadership BRAND Assessment and explore concepts and theories common to leadership, to understand and develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively lead organizations and teams effectively through change, crisis, uncertainty, and other barriers to achieving a common goal. Topics covered in this book include, leadership responsibility and accountability, ethics, values, effective communication, resilience, vision, foresight and followership.