What Does It Really Mean to Bring Your Full Self to Life and Leadership?

Leadership today demands more than technical skills—it requires authenticity and wholeness. But what does it truly mean to bring your full self to life and leadership? It’s not just about achieving balance in key areas of life. It’s about integrating your unique personality, life experiences, and leadership skills to show up authentically in every moment.

Here are a few key thoughts about what this means:

Key Points:

1. Wholeness in Seven Areas:

Bringing your full self begins with cultivating wholeness in your physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, mental, vocational, and financial health. These areas provide the foundation for how you show up. Research by Hattie et al. (2011) emphasizes the impact of well-being on effective leadership.

2. The Intersection of Personality, Experiences, and Leadership Skills:

Your unique wiring—your personality, strengths, and life story—plays a critical role. Tools like CliftonStrengths or the Enneagram can help identify your natural leanings. For example, a leader who has experienced adversity may bring a deep sense of empathy to their leadership.

3. The Call for Authenticity:

According to George et al. (2007), authentic leaders build trust and engagement. By integrating who you are into how you lead, you inspire others to do the same.

Actionable Reflection Questions:

• In which areas of life do you feel most whole? Where do you feel a disconnect?

• How does your personality or past experience shape your leadership style?

Sources:

• George, B., Sims, P., McLean, A. N., & Mayer, D. (2007). Discovering Your Authentic Leadership. Harvard Business Review.

• Hattie, J., Timperley, H., & Anderman, E. (2011). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.