#383 Are you your favorite TED talk speaker?

Why do we so often try to lead like our favorite TED Talk speakers instead of embracing our authentic selves? This powerful episode tackles the widespread tendency to mimic admired leadership styles rather than developing our own.

Authenticity forms the cornerstone of effective leadership. As we explore in this episode, "You lead best when you stop performing and start leading like yourself, on purpose." This isn't just motivational fluff—it's the difference between leadership that resonates and leadership that rings hollow. Your team doesn't need a secondhand version of John Maxwell or any other leadership guru. They need the unique value that only you can bring.

Leadership styles work like tools in a toolbox—some leaders are hammers (direct, decisive), others are measuring tapes (precise, methodical), and some function as WD-40 (relational, removing friction). The key isn't which tool is objectively best, but which aligns with your natural strengths and the situation at hand. Using the wrong tool creates frustration for everyone involved. People can detect inauthenticity from a mile away, and when you try to lead from someone else's playbook, trust erodes and your influence diminishes.

Developing your authentic leadership style requires knowing your core values, identifying your natural strengths, and mapping your energy zones. As Bill George wisely notes, "The authentic self is the soul made visible"—and leadership without soul may be loud but rarely lasts. The question remains: what part of your leadership style do you need to own more boldly this week? Your answer might just transform how you lead and the impact you make.

Chapters

• 0:00 Leadership Mimicry Problem

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Have you ever seen someone try to lead like their favorite TED Talk speaker? I mean the same hand, gestures, same voice, inflections or better. Yet someone goes to a conference and comes back totally on fire and ready to lead just like they learned two days ago. Welcome to Message 383 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach.

Speaker 1: 0:29

Winning Leadership Wednesday finding your unique leadership style. Here's the one big idea I want to land today. You lead best when you stop performing and start leading like yourself, on purpose. That's right. Your leadership style isn't about mimicking someone else's tone, speed or swagger. It's the unique blend of your values, your strengths and your perspectives that nobody else can replicate. Your team does not need a secondhand version of John Maxwell. They need the first rate version of you. Let me give you a quick picture.

Speaker 1: 1:09

Leadership styles are like tools in a toolbox. Some leaders are hammers, direct, decisive, get things done types. Others are measuring tapes, precise, methodical, making sure things fit before moving forward, and some they're WD-40. Smooth, relational, removing friction wherever they go. But here's the catch If you grab the wrong tool for the wrong job because you think it looks right, you end up frustrated, and so does your team. Why does this matter? Because people can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. When you lead from a place that's not yours, trust erodes, connection thins and your influence suffers.

Speaker 1: 2:01

Authenticity on what matters most, the easier it is to lead with integrity. Know your energy zones. When are you at your best? What drains you? Your leadership styles thrive where your energy is strongest. And last thought refine, don't copy. Learn from others, sure, but adapt what you learn so it aligns with your strengths, not replaces them. As leadership expert Bill George says, the authentic self is the soul made visible, and leadership without soul it may be loud but it rarely lasts. Thank you for calling Growth Instigators Hotline. I'd love to hear from you. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let me know how I can help you or your team grow. Here's the question for today what's one part of your leadership style you need to own more boldly this week? And, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do?