What Leadership Stories Are You Telling Yourself?

It’s so easy for leaders to glide through their careers reciting the same narrative of who they are and what they do. Think of a pre-printed or virtual business card. I recently saw one of these cards and wondered if the leader ever changed the wording or description of their tag line. I was curious whether the leader still saw themself in the same way or even offered the same services that appeared on their card. Whether you work internally for an organization or you own your own business, leaders can get paralyzed in their professional stories. In fact, they can sometimes be totally unaware that the story about themselves they share is totally out of date. They are literally frozen in the past.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to see where you fall in honestly knowing your leadership story of today:

When was the last time you reflected on your leadership story?

 How accurate is the leadership narrative you are telling others?

 What might your new leadership story sound like?

Working with leaders through my training and coaching, it is not uncommon to hear frustrations about how they become stuck in the leadership narrative they have been espousing for years. Even if they have pivoted to different fields, they feel compelled to still include their old offerings or skills that are no longer relevant. They are eager to move forward with their new path but fearful of dropping away from their past.

What is keeping you from rewriting your new leadership story?

1. It’s More Comfortable To Stick With The Same Old Narrative

When a leader has had success in their career, they can feel uneasy about trying out a new area. Even though they are prepared through coursework and training, they may feel shaky in putting on a new hat. However, if they don’t step outside of their comfort zone and put on their new shoes, they won’t have the opportunity to try out their new story. Worrying about being perfect or sounding like the expert is a mere illusion.

2. Can’t Let Go Of The Past

To rewrite your new story, a leader must first acknowledge that they are ready for a new job or career journey. Without seeing their future in a different way, a leader won’t be able to propel forward. Here are a few ways that may help you make a proper goodbye to the past:

• Write a letter saying goodbye to your former leadership self.
• Make a list of responsibilities you are no longer going to be performing.
• Create a certificate of accomplishment.

3. Not Clear On Your New Story

This is actually the fun part- deciding what your new narrative will be. To design your new leadership story, take a deep cleansing breath in and out, then look into a mirror and shout- “This is my time to share what I have been working towards!” Who are you today? What is your new perspective and how do you want to be perceived? Be crystal clear on your new role and carefully choose words to describe it. Create a Coat of Arms with different sections that define the new parts of your leadership. Use both visuals and words.

4. Need More Experience and Skills

This crazy sabotaging belief trips up many leaders when it becomes time to reinvent their leadership. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking you are not ready or you need more time to gain more experience. Lean into your new role with confidence and give yourself some grace to grow.

• You have worked so hard for this opportunity to have a new leadership story.
• You possess all the skills needed to pivot and share your new direction.
• You are worthy and deserving of a new leadership story that you can share with excitement and noise.

What is preventing you from rewriting your new leadership story? If you need some help in designing your narrative just click here.

Terri Klass, CPCC is a certified Executive and Leadership Coach who helps leaders and teams gain clarity, see possibilities, build confidence and create strategies to move forward that align with their values and vision. She partners with individuals as well as organizations to build their leadership influence. She delivers highly successful leadership workshops and is a speaker and author of articles about leadership. Learn more about Terri at www.terriklassconsulting.com.