[ELM#942] Key Points for Managing Your Brand

Building a robust personal brand can be a strategic tool for enhancing your career trajectory. It’s essential to understand that your brand is about who you are intrinsically, not merely about adopting the external trappings of success.

In this week's podcast, we'll discuss some essential tips for managing and strengthening your brand.

#EducationalLeader,
Kim

http://leadershipchairbook.com

“When students are led well, they learn well.”

Website: http://www.kimdmoore.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimdmoore
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EducationalLeader

The views shared in the Educational Leadership Moment are solely mine and do not reflect the positions of my employer or any entity within the local, state, or federal government sectors.

Transcript

Your brand is a multifaceted reflection of who you are. It encompasses your character, reputation, values, how you dress, how you carry yourself, how you communicate, and how you treat others. It even extends to your choice of associates and social media avatars. It’s essential to understand that your brand is about who you are intrinsically, not merely about adopting the external trappings of success.

Early in my career, I frequently found myself as the only woman at the table and the youngest person in the room. In those moments, I often felt that others didn’t recognize me as the leader.

I brought this concern to a mentor, and together, we explored strategies to boost my confidence and enhance my leadership skills. One of our key focuses was on building my personal brand. Why? Because it was essential to define who I was as a leader. Although the process took time, I ultimately succeeded in branding myself as a visionary leader committed to excellence.

Building a robust personal brand can be a strategic tool to enhance your career trajectory. So, let’s discuss some essential tips to help manage and strengthen your brand:

1. Always to Be Fair, Ethical, and Firm:

Consistency in fairness, ethics, and firmness in your decisions and actions sets a solid foundation for your brand. This builds trust and respect among your peers and subordinates, establishing you as a reliable leader. Reflect on how often you’ve stood firm on ethical grounds and have been fair in difficult decisions.

2. Seek Out Respected Mentors and Advocates:

Mentorship can be incredibly powerful. Seek respected mentors and advocates who can guide you, offer valuable advice, and promote your organizational strengths. Engage with mentors who have navigated similar paths and can provide insights from their experiences.

3. Build Relationships with Positive Associates:

Surround yourself with individuals who have positive attitudes and speak well of others. These relationships can be uplifting and create a support system. Remember, positivity begets positivity. How often do you actively seek to foster relationships with encouraging colleagues?

4. Speak Well of Others:

Make it a habit to speak well of others. This enhances your brand and builds a culture of mutual respect and admiration. It’s crucial to be mindful of your words as they reflect your character. Have you made it a point to acknowledge and praise the efforts of your peers and subordinates lately?

5. Volunteer for Challenging, High-Profile Projects:

Don’t hesitate to take on high-profile projects. These opportunities can significantly raise your visibility and demonstrate your capability to handle substantial responsibilities. Volunteering for challenging projects can testify to your proactive and dynamic nature. Remember when you stepped up for a challenging project – how did it impact your career?

6. Sign and Date Your Work:

Always sign and date your work. This simple practice ensures that your contributions are recognized and attributed to you. It’s a straightforward way to safeguard your intellectual property and establish ownership of your work.

7. Admit Mistakes and Rectify Them:

When you’re wrong, admit it, apologize, and take swift action to correct the problem. Demonstrating accountability shows that you’re mature and responsible. Acknowledging mistakes and rectifying them promptly can turn potential negatives into opportunities for growth.

Now, pause for a moment and reflect on a recent situation in which you admitted a mistake—how did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

Managing your brand is an ongoing process that requires dedication and self-awareness. By consistently applying these principles, you can navigate the complexities of leadership roles and ensure that your contributions are recognized.

“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”

Jeff Bezos

So, here’s a question for you: How are you managing your brand, and what steps can you take to enhance it further?

#EducationalLeader,

Kim

P.S. - Don't forget to pick up a copy of my brand new book You're in the Leadership Chair, Now What? from ​Amazon​.