Leadership isn’t just a title – it’s how you show up, the energy you bring, and the impact you have on others. Recently, our versatile Management Consultant, Rhiannon Bush, was invited by CPA Tasmania to present Crafting Your Identity as a Leader, a workshop designed to help members define their leadership style and lead with confidence. Through practical tools and insights, attendees gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead effectively.

The Power of Identity in Leadership

Imagine this: You’re standing tall, shoulders back, feet grounded, recalling a moment when you felt truly unstoppable. This simple exercise illustrates a key leadership principle – your physiology shapes your psychology. When you align your posture and mindset, you naturally exude confidence and command attention.

But leadership is more than just body language; it’s about the consistency of your actions, values, and intentions. Just as global brands cultivate strong identities through intentional messaging, leaders must craft their own leadership brand.

The Three Pillars of Influence

During the workshop, Rhiannon explored Tony Robbins’ Triad of Influence, a framework that helps leaders understand how they impact those around them. The three pillars are:

• Language – The words you use shape your reality. Are your words empowering and uplifting, or do they diminish and disempower? Leaders must be intentional with their language, whether in conversations, emails, or meetings.

• Physiology – Your body language speaks volumes before you even say a word. Open, engaged postures create trust and connection, while closed-off stances can signal disinterest or resistance.

• Focus – What you focus on expands. Your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters information based on your priorities. If you focus on problems, you’ll see more obstacles. If you focus on opportunities, your mind will seek solutions. This is why setting clear intentions each day is a powerful leadership tool.

Be, Do, Have: Defining Your Leadership Path

One of the most transformative exercises in the workshop was the "Be, Do, Have" model. It encourages leaders to define:

• What they want to have (influence, impact, collaboration, etc.)

• What they need to do (habits, actions, and behaviours to achieve those goals)

• Who they need to be (the mindset and values they must embody)

This approach flips the traditional idea that leadership success comes after receiving a title or authority. Instead, it emphasises that success follows when you start being the leader you aspire to be, right now.

Your Leadership Identity Statement

To solidify this learning, each participant crafted a personal leadership identity statement using the formula:

I am a [type of leader] who [action you take], because I believe [core belief].

For example: I am a visionary leader who empowers my team to take calculated risks, because I believe that innovation comes from bold action.

This statement serves as a daily affirmation and guiding principle, reinforcing your leadership presence and impact.

The Power of Repetition and Action

The real work doesn’t happen in a workshop; it happens in daily practice. Rhiannon encouraged participants to place their leadership identity statement somewhere visible and repeat it daily. Why? Because repetition strengthens neural pathways, making leadership behaviours second nature.

So, what does your leadership identity say about you? Take a moment to reflect. Who do you want to be as a leader? What actions will you take to align with that vision? The journey to becoming an authentic, influential leader starts with intentionality and commitment.

Are you ready to step into the leader you were meant to be? Book a free discovery call with Rhiannon Bush to find out how we can support you to lead with authenticity and confidence.

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