One of the activities I often incorporate into the Keep it Real Leadership program is having each participant develop their own “Leadership Mantra.” The original meaning of the word “mantra” was a sacred (Hindu and Buddhist) utterance, sound, or word that was repeated over and over to aid in concentration during meditation.

More recently, though, it has come to mean a statement or slogan that is repeated frequently; a truism or saying. Although the definition has strayed somewhat from its original meaning, a mantra can still be very effective in helping you achieve clarity and maintain focus.  Clarity and focus are essential to your success as a leader.

Your Leadership Mantra is what you are willing to “own” as a leader. It is created by you and for you. It is an oath that you will live by as a leader. Your Leadership Mantra will help you gauge your actions with your colleagues, your direct reports, and your leaders. It also gives you clarity around how you operate in the world. You will make decisions based on your Leadership Mantra. It will serve as a guide throughout the day as you ask yourself, “Does this action align with who I am and who I want to become as a leader?”

It takes time and effort to gain clarity about who you are as a leader and who you want to become as a leader. Self-awareness is key.

1. Set aside two, 60-minute time slots. 

2. What are your top 5 values? What are those non-negotiables that you will not compromise?

3. Describe the best leader you ever had in your career. What were their characteristics and qualities that made them a great leader? What are the characteristics you want to embody?

4. What are your strengths as a leader? What do you do that you know will help you lead? 

5. What type of leader do you want to be? Think about your best leader? Do you have any of their strengths? How would you want to be described as a leader?

6. Begin the process of writing your leadership mantra. Keep it simple, memorable, and applicable.

7. Put your first draft aside and “think” about it for a day or two. Review it in a few days and update it to best fit your leadership style. You might be refining it a few times. Get it just right.

8. Own it…

9. Share it…

10. Live it…

If I am asking you to share your leadership mantra, I guess I better share my leadership mantra. Here goes: 

                “To inspire and teach, so people can dream bigger and see new possibilities.”

And on those days when everything seems to be falling apart or going haywire – use your Leadership Mantra to bring you back to clarity and focus. I know it works for me!

Till next time, Keep it Real…

Karen

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