Identity: Leading from Who You Are
Identity: Leading from Who You Are
January is here, and before we dive headfirst into goals and plans, let’s pause for a moment and ask a powerful question: “What am I really leading from?”
Not your title. Not your resume. Not the expectations of others. I’m talking about the foundation, the core of who you are. Because here’s the truth: leadership that lasts doesn’t start with what you do; it starts with what you’re rooted in.
Why Identity Matters
When you know what you’re leading from, everything changes. Decisions become clearer. Pressure feels lighter. And your leadership stops being reactive and starts being intentional. Without that clarity, it’s easy to drift by chasing approval, chasing results, and losing yourself in the process.
But when your identity is solid, you lead with confidence. You create trust. And you show up consistently because people know what you stand for.
Leading from Who You Are
So, how do you figure this out? Start with these questions:
What do I truly value?
What principles guide me when things get tough?
What unique impact am I called to make?
When you answer these, leadership stops being a performance and becomes authentic. You’re not trying to fit someone else’s mold; you’re leading from your God-given design and purpose.
The Role of Resiliency
My word for this year is Resiliency. Why? Because challenges will come. Plans will shift. Life will test you. Resiliency is what keeps you grounded when everything else feels uncertain. And here’s the key: resiliency isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about staying rooted in who you are so you can keep moving forward with purpose.
Practical Ways to Lead from Identity
Clarify Your Core Values – Write down the non-negotiables that define you.
Reconnect with Your Purpose – Why do you lead? What bigger picture drives you?
Check Your Alignment – Do your daily actions reflect your identity?
Build Renewal Rhythms – Resiliency needs fuel: prayer, rest, and intentional growth.
Final Thought
Titles will change. Circumstances will shift. But your identity? That’s your anchor. Lead from that place, and you’ll not only navigate challenges, but you’ll also inspire others to do the same.
Dr. McGee