What Makes You a Leader People Actually Want to Follow

Jenny Lee
Apr 8
2 min read

Understanding your leadership identity through structured self-assessment can lead to more authentic, confident, and effective leadership.

What is a Leadership Identity and Why Does it Matter?

Leadership identity is the internal narrative that defines how you lead, why you lead, and who you are when you lead. It goes beyond titles and performance reviews. It’s the intersection of your values, behaviors, communication style, and decision-making framework.

In a world where 77% of organizations report leadership gaps, understanding and articulating one’s leadership identity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Strong leadership identity is closely tied to employee engagement, trust in management, and organizational stability.

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How Can You Assess Your Leadership Identity?

Self-assessment is not about taking random online quizzes. It involves structured reflection using reliable tools grounded in behavioral psychology and leadership theory.

Here are several evidence-based tools and models leaders can use:

1. The Leadership Circle Profile

This framework measures leadership effectiveness through a 360-degree feedback system. It categorizes behaviors as either reactive or creative. Leaders with higher creative tendencies tend to produce better business outcomes.

2. Values in Action (VIA) Survey

This scientifically validated tool helps identify your core character strengths. Leaders who lead with their top strengths demonstrate greater resilience and consistency.

3. Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE)

Developed by the University of Michigan, RBSE is a process where peers, coworkers, and mentors provide insights into moments when you were at your best. This helps leaders understand how their impact is perceived by others.

4. StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths)

Used by over 90% of Fortune 500 companies, this tool pinpoints a leader’s dominant talents. According to Gallup research, teams led by strengths-based managers are 12.5% more productive.

What Are the Most Common Blind Spots for Leaders?

Even seasoned leaders often carry unexamined assumptions about themselves. A study by Zenger/Folkman found that 80% of leaders overrate their effectiveness, particularly in the areas of communication, empathy, and delegation.

Common blind spots include:

Assuming silence equals agreement
Valuing execution over relationship-building
Believing confidence always signals competence

Conducting an honest self-assessment can surface these blind spots before they affect team morale or business outcomes.

How Do Personal Values Influence Leadership?

Your leadership identity should be grounded in your personal values. When leaders operate out of alignment with their core values, it leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and loss of credibility.

According to McKinsey, leaders who act consistently with their values are rated 31% more effective by their teams.

How Can You Begin Defining Your Own Leadership Identity?

Start with these steps:

Reflect on formative leadership moments in your life—both good and bad.
Gather feedback using tools like RBSE and 360-degree reviews.
Identify values that guide your decisions using tools like VIA or the Barrett Values Centre Assessment.
Craft a leadership purpose statement—a short paragraph that sums up how and why you lead.
Revisit and revise your identity as you evolve in your career.