What Is a Leadership Brand—And Could It Make or Break Your Company?

How do you really come across as a leader? Friendly and helpful? Or intimidating and rigid?

Are you sure?

Because unless you’re intentionally crafting your leadership brand to accurately reflect who you are as a leader, others may not see you the way you see you, and that could cause big problems for your career, your team and your company.

"Your leadership brand isn't just your reputation — it's the heart of your leadership and the core of your company.

What Is a Leadership Brand?

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you as a leader have a brand known as a leadership brand.

A leadership brand is simply the sum of perceptions others associate with your leadership based on your demonstrated behaviors, interactions, communication and decisions.

Think of it as your reputation as a leader.

Every decision you make and every conversation you have shapes your leadership brand, affecting not only how others view and interact with you but how they view and interact with those associated with you as well.

Your Leadership Brand Affects Your Organization

Your leadership brand isn’t just a reflection of you as a leader; it’s a reflection of your organization.

Remember, as a leader, you’re a major representative of your company. And if you’re unintentionally leaving a negative impression, it’s not just your reputation at risk—it’s your entire organization’s reputation on the line, too.

Thankfully, how you (and your company) are perceived isn’t entirely out of your control. There’s a way to shape public perception, and it starts with building your leadership brand.

A brief list of what a leadership brand can do for leaders and their organizations

What Building a Leadership Brand Does for You and Your Organization

Building a leadership brand provides a lot of opportunity, as it can:

·      Clarify and Protect Your (and Your Company’s) Image

Instead of letting public opinion reign, you can decide how you want to be perceived as a leader. Intentionally and strategically building out your leadership brand ensures your leadership identity matches what’s being demonstrated to others, eliminates any potential confusion or ambiguity that could damage your, and your company’s, reputation.

·      Create a Positive Cultural Impact

As role models within the organization, leaders have the capacity to mold the company culture. How they interact with the team sets the tone for the entire company. If your leadership brand promotes alignment, trust and engagement, it’s sure to trickle down and inspire individuals at all levels to follow suit.

·      Attract and Retain Top Talent

Leaders who consistently demonstrate their authenticity, integrity and trustworthiness through their leadership brand attract qualified professionals who aim to embody their qualities themselves. And if their leadership brand showcases the alignment between their and their organization’s goals and core values, they can foster a unified, purpose-driven culture that high performers will be eager to be a part of and won’t want to leave.

·      Amplify Influence and Enhance Effectiveness

By building a leadership brand, you define your leadership method and vision for yourself and for others. Followers become motivated by your clear sense of awareness, purpose and confidence, which will increase your ability to influence and drive results.

Make Sure Your Leadership Brand Leaves a Positive Impact

Your leadership brand isn’t just your reputation—it’s the heart of your leadership and the core of your company. It holds the power to completely influence how everyone, from your own team to your clientele, views and interacts with you and your organization—so harness it. Take control over the narrative and craft your image to reflect the impact you want to have.

Start intentionally building your leadership brand today and ensure the mark you leave is exactly what you want. Our new course, Your Leadership Brand, will give you a step-by-step guide on how to build your brand and integrate into every aspect of their leadership approach.