Use this tool to give you confidence in how you are uniquely positioned to serve the world.
By Mary E. Maloney
One thing that gets in the way of doing the great work of your life is feeling like a fraud, like you aren’t meant to be in your role—or to take the important next steps toward your keystone goals.
In other words, an obstacle to forward momentum is the oft-discussed “imposter syndrome.”
Many highly accomplished people have thought about this obstacle and how to overcome it, including Sharon Bowen, chair of the New York Stock Exchange. In a recent interview with Northwestern magazine, Bowen said:
“If you have a little bit of imposter syndrome, you can overcome it. Wear your power when you walk in the room. If you are confident in your skin, people will know that.”
Accomplished people leverage a Brand Declaration to help them gain the confidence they need to bypass imposter syndrome and soar. You gain clarity about who you are, what you stand for, and your non-negotiables for serving the world in the way that you are uniquely poised to do.
Personal Branding Brings Consistency
I always say that the hallmark of an iconic brand is consistency, and declaring your brand will help you be consistent.
Some well-known people are famous for having a signature wardrobe piece that reflects their clarity about who they are and what they stand for. Think of Margaret Thatcher’s lapel brooch, which denotes her steady approach. Or Steve Jobs’ turtlenecks, which mirrored the sleek simplicity of the Apple products he created. Or how Gwen Stefani wearing red lipstick and using the color in her lyrics reflects the fearless intensity that’s earned her icon status.
Maybe you don’t have a signature wardrobe piece, but I’m certain you have a signature brand style that you can clarify and live out more fully by making a Brand Declaration.
What’s Exactly Is a Brand Declaration?
A brand declaration is a clear and powerful one-page statement of your brand. It consists of three parts:
1. Your Purpose: Why you exist to serve.
2. Your Why: At what, you are the best in the world and the transformation/shift/result you facilitate when tapped into your zone of genius, your strengths and core competencies.
3. Your Hows: Your non-negotiable standards of excellence in terms of how you behave, how your brand shows up. In the absence of them, you cannot create an impact. Up to nine is the best practice.
Here are some example Brand Declarations.
What Have Others Done With Their Clarified Brands?
We’ve seen our clients accept dream jobs and coveted board seats, give Ted Talks to standing ovations, make major pivots into having even more impact after accomplished careers and so much more, once they are grounded in their Brand Declaration.
Today is a great day to set yourself up to do, full out, what you are meant to do for the world, what you were born to do.
In just two calls, we can help you make a Brand Declaration, in which you “give words” to your true North and calling. We believe it’s a leadership imperative. Schedule today! We will be honored to assist you with this important work.
