You can begin “Seizing It” by being authentic.
Have you had occasion to watch leaders on the news and in your company present the benefits of a new business process or philosophy or action? Have you listened as they described the details? Did you become excited, interested and motivated? Or did you find yourself wondering if the leader believed his own message? While the leader might be saying the right words, was there just something about the message or delivery that gave you pause?
Leaders with “It” effectively bring their whole selves to the table, their combined beliefs and passions and experiences. They can only do this by knowing who they truly are and by working from this core knowledge; by being authentic. I consider this to be the most elusive part of “It” and one that takes us on an inward journey. But the benefits are great if we are willing to do the work of self discovery.
Goethe, an 18th century writer, had this to say about being unique and authentic: “There are many echoes in the world, but few voices.”
Last month I was at a speech being given by Nido Qubein, an author, consultant, and motivational speaker. He discussed the need for differentiation, to be willing to leave the “ocean of sameness” that is the home place for the common thinker, and become a part of the “pond of distinction”. But to be able to take Mr. Qubein’s advice, to differentiate ourselves, we have to be willing to do the work of identifying and owning who we truly are, as people, professionals, and members of our families and communities.
I also had the occasion this month to meet and hear Scott McKain, the author of the book, “The Collapse of Distinction”. (I strongly recommend his book to you and will be adding it to my bibliography listing within this site.) To build distinction he created the idea of 4 pillars of distinction, and the first pillar is Clarity. It takes work to become clear on your strengths, your goals, your business value proposition, but it is also freeing. Because, as he points out in his book, to have clarity also means that you know what you are NOT. And I have found that knowledge (what we ARE and what we are NOT) allows us to draw the perfect target with the perfectly centered bull’s eye, and aim our arrows of action and energy exactly there.
We simply cannot be everything to everybody, or we drown in the “ocean of sameness”; we exhaust ourselves and don’t achieve the outcomes we desire. And how wonderful and freeing it is to affirm that we ALL have a unique voice! We all have the ability to move and motivate others, and impact real change, when we come from our own authentic center. Remember to share your authentic self, and you, too, will begin “Seizing It”!
Copyright © 2009 Pamela Geer, SeizingIt.com – All Rights Reserved
Filed under: Leaders with "It" are . . . | Tagged: Executive Presence, Leadership Presence, Leadership Skills, Pamela Geer, Personal Brand |
Seizing It 
I like the statements “we all have the ability to move and motivate others, and impact real change, when we come from our own authentic center.” I agree. When you are really passionate about something it is easier to motivate and move others. Excellent points!
Pamela… I see so many definitions of Leadership. Yours strikes to the core! Authenticity is an incredible platform for distinction in any field. Knowing both Nido and Scott, I’d say you have defined their distinction. Of course, each (as you) distinguishes self in many other ways learned along the way to solid authenticity. Am enjoying your authentic mind. Best, tytyty
Ty, you are also someone who has distinguished yourself in so many ways! Thank you for the time over coffee, discussing what makes a leader with “It”. You are a wonderful example!