Tell your story

In her book Bring Your Human to Work, Erica Keswin explains that the most successful leaders actively form quality relationships with their employees, honor fundamental human traits –– authenticity, openness and basic politeness –– and apply them day in and day out.

A key foundation to being a great leader is being the leader you were designed to be. To be an authentic leader, you need to Identify and leverage who you are, your strengths, your passions, your values, what you believe in. When you do this, you are not only being true to yourself, you’re being authentic to others. In my coaching practice, this is a core principle we use to help leaders be more effective leaders.

Ms. Keswin says, “Speak in an authentic voice. Telling stories — personal stories and professional stories — is the perfect vehicle for expressing the truth of your brand. Stories are free, are always available and are such a core part of our human DNA that they automatically make us feel good. Especially when they’re true.”

Authentic leaders walk the walk, but they must also talk the talk. Therefore, craft your story and share it with those you want to lead and influence.

A final thought from Ms Keswin. “Say thank you. It’s a human thing to do. It seems so simple. We should all do it. Every day. Just say thank you. It’s good for people, great for business and, along with the other strategies for bringing your human to work, just might change the world.”