What’s Your Leadership Theme?

By: Kevin Carr, Coach, Renogize Professional Coaching

The best leaders lead themselves first. Knowing the theme of your leadership story can be incredibly helpful, both in knowing where and how you lead most effectively.

Here’s an example.

I grew up in a town with an incredibly successful high school baseball program. My friends and I grew up dreaming of wearing the red and white on varsity. I was on that path until a rotator cuff injury derailed my chance to start at first base as a senior. My career as a player was over.

In my early 30s, I was close to assuming the leadership role I had dreamt of when a series of events beyond my control made that impossible. I switched to a different career.

Will I ever make varsity? That theme frustrated me … until I began thinking differently. I had been ‘on varsity’; however, I was striving for the wrong position and I had the wrong vision for the type of leader I would be.

I learned where I am most effective. I’m much more effective ‘outside the lines’. As an 18-year-old and then again in my early 30s, I learned I am an effective coach, a role which I now cherish.

I also learned the type of leader I am. From throwing batting practice to teammates to being faithful with the responsibilities of my roles, I discovered that I operate best as a servant leader who supports executives.

That’s my story. What’s yours?

By discovering the major theme of your leadership, you can hone in on where and how you will lead best. If you know your theme, how is it optimizing you? If not, could you use a coach to guide you?