Why Self-Awareness Matters - Even for Natural Leaders
Not long ago, I spoke with a leader who told me something that made me pause: he had always found himself in leadership roles. In school, in his early career, in every new position he stepped into—people just seemed to look to him for direction.
And yet, despite all that experience, he had never really stopped to ask himself why. What was it about him that others trusted? What qualities made him someone others naturally followed?
This conversation reminded me how often we overlook our own leadership story. We step into roles, solve problems, move things forward—and rarely take the time to reflect on what’s driving it all underneath.
Leadership Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
We tend to think of leaders as bold, confident, outspoken. And while some leaders fit that mold, many others lead with empathy, thoughtfulness, follow-through, or steadiness.
Leadership doesn’t come in a single package. Sometimes it shows up as the person who volunteers to take charge. Other times, it’s the one who listens deeply and brings people together behind the scenes.
Whether you’ve always been seen as a “natural leader” or you're just now beginning to explore your potential, the key isn’t how you got here. It’s whether you understand what’s working for you, and how to build on it.
The Power of Naming What’s Already Working
In my work with leaders, I’ve found that pausing to reflect on their natural talents - naming what’s already working - is often what creates the biggest shift.
One leader I coached, for example, had never paused to explore the patterns in his success. But once he saw how his natural ability to communicate clearly with others, take action, and stay focused on outcomes had shaped his leadership style, he was able to lean into those strengths more intentionally and with greater confidence.
Reflection like this isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about fully stepping into what’s already strong.
Leadership as a Living Practice
Leadership isn’t a title or a checklist. It’s an ongoing practice of knowing yourself, growing your impact, and aligning your actions with your values.
Whether you lead one person or an entire organization, understanding your unique leadership style allows you to show up more fully for your team, your goals, and yourself.
If you’ve never taken the time to reflect on what makes you a leader - or you’re feeling called to level up and lead with greater clarity - I’d love to help you explore that journey.
You don’t need to be someone else to be a great leader. You just need to better understand who you already are.
