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- Curiosity Collective #020
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1 Thing I Am Curious About
How do you find your voice as a leader?
2 Quotes That I Am Thinking About
"True leadership is not about speaking the loudest; it's about speaking from the heart and finding the courage to voice what others may be afraid to say." - Brene Brown
"In the midst of challenges, a leader finds their voice by remaining true to their vision and values, even when it's unpopular or difficult." - Simon Sinek
Discovering Your Leadership Voice: A Journey of Transformation
I found myself thrust into a leadership role earlier than I'd expected. To say I felt like a fish out of water would be an understatement. I was a reluctant leader and I grappled with the uncertainty of decision-making, team management, and self-doubt.
Like many of you reading this, I'd ask myself: Am I really cut out for this? Am I capable of leading?
I struggled to find my voice until one day my CEO pulled me aside and said “you have great ideas, you listen well, and you understand the work. It’s time to use your voice and speak up.”
The Status Quo and Silent Struggles
Society tends to perpetuate the idea that effective leadership is a natural trait, some sort of genetic lottery win. We're often led to believe that the power to inspire, the charisma, the assertiveness, and the wisdom - are gifts you're born with.
But the status quo is wrong. Leadership isn't a birthright, but a skill that can be honed and developed. The consequence of sticking with this flawed notion is a leadership vacuum. Many potential leaders second-guess themselves, thinking they're not "born" with the "right stuff," so they never step up to the plate.
Leadership wasn’t natural for me and I didn’t enjoy public speaking or even speaking up in meetings. I needed to be heard and influence change my way. My was not grand or showy, it was to communicate with many small groups and be present frequently. Understand the problem, listen well, and work towards a shared solution. There was not grand speeches, assertive authority, or charisma. It was just me connecting with the people and guiding them.
Approachable Steps
Finding your voice as a leader doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey of trial and error. It's about stepping out of you comfort zone and giving you best effort.
Here are some achievable steps to help you find your voice:
Self-Awareness: The Internal Compass
Understand who you are, your values, strengths, and weaknesses. Start by journaling your thoughts, feelings, and reactions in different situations to gain insights into your behavior.
Seek Feedback: The Mirror
Solicit honest feedback from your peers, mentors, and team members. They are able to reflect your image from perspectives you may not see.
Continuous Learning: The Map
Leadership is a skill, and skills can be learned. Books, podcasts, seminars, online courses, mentors, and coaches - they are all excellent resources to accelerate your learning curve.
Breaking the Sound Barrier
The deafening silence around the struggle to find your unique leadership voice is a shared experience among many. But it doesn't have to be a lonely journey. You evolve from uncertainty into a leader with a voice that resonates with those around you.
Leadership isn't about perfection, but about progress. Each step you take is a step closer to finding your voice, a voice that could one day inspire, motivate, and guide others.
So, I'll leave you with this question: isn't it time you started your journey?
Stay Curious and Lead With Purpose!
John
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