Here’s a common issue I encounter in my leadership coaching sessions: The most important skill nobody ever taught you.

Many of my clients can easily name leaders they look up to and describe leadership styles they would like to apply. Perhaps they read biographies of great CEOs and feel inspired.

But in doing this, they pressure themselves and forget to be themselves.

They want to apply methods that don’t align well with their own style of leading people. This can be frustrating; it feels like doing everything by the book, yet something still feels off.

They forget how to actually inspire and motivate as they try to be someone else.

Just like in any other role, being yourself is what makes all the difference (and if you’re wondering who that is, let’s work on it). I don’t like to use words such as authenticity as they sometimes complicate things.

It makes people wonder who they are and what characteristics they bring to the table.

Think about the last time you felt truly comfortable in your leadership role. What made it work?

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