What’s Your Leadership Brand?
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

Leaders are all different – just like people. Leaders must develop their own unique leadership style and approach. This becomes our leadership brand. It is vitally important that we become intentional about what ours is.

I am old enough to remember the debate on whether leaders were born or made. It almost seems silly now that we even needed to have this conversation. Leaders are made – and remade – each and every day. We may have certain natural attributes we tap into. Others we need to develop. But, each of us can be a leader. I am increasingly convinced we must all put more time into developing our leadership approaches.

The best leaders I know develop their leadership brand or approach. They seek to remain consistent while growing. They have a keen sense of who they are and what they are attempting to accomplish. They also never stop learning and growing. They see leadership not as a job or role, but as a way to live their lives. Even though it may seem to come easy, it doesn’t. They work at it. And, it shows.

We can learn about leadership from those around us. David Freund, our Chief Leadership Officer at MACNY, is just one person I learn from. David has had a variety of positions in the manufacturing sector and brings all of that experience to his current role. Dave is consistent with his style and approach. He is genuine, thoughtful, and hard working. He is committed to helping others develop their own unique leadership approaches. David is values-driven and results-oriented. Over the years, he has fine-tuned his style and brand. He has remained a continuous learner – and is always eager for new ideas and approaches. It is such a joy to have him on our team here at MACNY. He is just one example of the multitude of leaders in all walks of life that I get to interact with. I am sure you have your own leaders you can learn from too.

What is your leadership brand or approach? In a few short words or phrases, what is it? What do you need to add? As a leader, you will need to ask these questions. You should ask others what they think your leadership brand is. Is what they say consistent with what you are attempting to live? If not, how would you learn and improve? To stay both relevant and effective, you will need to spend some time thinking about and acting upon your leadership brand.