How do you build your personal and professional brand as a collaborative leader?

The first step is to shed any leader-centric mindset. A leader is someone who desires to impose their will on others they deem to be followers. Instead, envision yourself as a valued collaborator. Collaborators use non-coercive mutual influence effectively in alignment with mutual purposes. Collaborators to not attempt to command or control others or the collaborative process.

The most important way to get started is by answering this question honestly. "What is it like to be led by me?" Understanding how you come across as a leader and being able to reflect on it (without ego), enables you to then develop a vision and goals for collaborative leadership that empowers and enables others, rather than pursuing your own success at the cost of people around you.

One of the benefits of having a leadership role was the knowledge I carried with me. I started from the bottom of the career ladder and worked/learned my way up through hands-on experience and real-world education. I have trained and mentored several individuals throughout my career and have great pride in watching my mentees thrive professionally. My resume, recommendations, and achievements all speak to the level of commitment I have for the organizations I serve.

Collaboration requires many skills. Collaborators must understand differences in values-systems and how those differences can lead to conflict if not respected and clarified openly. Develop a cooperative mindset. Learn how to assess the coordination of the collaboration process and work systems to be impacted. Competition is toxic to collaboration. Active listening for understanding and assertive influence techniques are the primary skills used during collaboration. Be someone people enjoy solving challenging problems with and feel comfortable co-creating innovations together.

Instead of just building a network...focus on building a collaborative and inclusive community of practice where anyone who has a stake in the effort or cause also has an equal voice. Focus more on the quality of your network...less on the size. When you stay true to your cause and to delivering the best possible outcomes, people will be drawn to you. What you want to achieve is a community so diverse in experience and thought that you have representation from the ground floor up to the corner office.

When you are creating your network, come with an attitude that you are there to serve just as much (if not more) than to take. Engage as a partnership. Notice the people who support you and elevate them. Do random acts of kindness. Keep yourself in check whether of not your actions are to self-serve or are truly looking out for the common good. Contribute before you take and seek value in others, always - and people will gravitate towards you more naturally.

Know that gaining an understanding of others' perception of you is a piece of information that you can choose (or not) to do something with. If someone seems distant or cold, it is OK for you to ask if you did something to offend them if you sincerely seek understanding.