“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” ~Bruce Lee
When I was still in the corporate world, there was a lot of talk about role models and whether there were enough strong female role models in our company. And while I think it is important to have positive role models in order for us to know what may be possible for us (“Yes, I can manage a group, run a division or direct a company!”), I think focusing too much on role models can be hurtful.
We may feel that we need to have the same traits, personality or leadership style like the people we see in the positions we want to be in. So we might feel that we are lacking something, not measuring up, or are not good enough.
But in reality, as I discussed in One Secret to Finding Happiness Is Using Your Strengths, research has found that there is no definitive list of leadership characteristics. What great leaders have in common is that they truly know their strengths and when to use them.
So don’t try to model yourself after someone else who is successful. It’s great to get inspired and learn from others, but ultimately it is you being YOU, and doing what you do best, that is going to make you successful.
I think Bruce Lee said it well. “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
How will you be yourself, express yourself and have faith in yourself this week?
Manuela loves helping professional women bring more balance, happiness and success into their lives! Visit Manuela’s Website for Success Life Coaching and check out her upcoming “Secrets to Happiness” Workshop!