Your supervisor questions your personal brand identity. How can you defend its authenticity?

When defending the authenticity of your personal brand identity, emphasize the consistency of your actions, values, and communication. Highlight how your brand is a true reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring to others. These elements serve as evidence of the genuine nature of your personal brand.

You should complete a Brand You compass and know your strengths, motivators, values, technical skills and transferable skills and be able to define, know, believe, articulate and evidence them. Understand the impact you have in the world and the value you bring to others and ensure you are communicating clearly and on brand.

Stand firm by highlighting your core values and consistent actions. Emphasise how your brand aligns with the company’s goals and how it has positively impacted your work. Share specific examples that demonstrate your authenticity and reliability. And with a touch of humor, remind them, "I'm just being my unique self—like a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition ."

Consistency is the key in defining your personal brand identity. Professional Development Portfolio: Compile a portfolio of your certifications, workshop attendance, and application of new knowledge to work. Engagement on Professional Networks: Share insights, articles, and achievements that align with your brand identity. Compile screenshots of posts, comments, and endorsements from colleagues that highlight your expertise & dedication. Testimonials and Feedback: Collect testimonials, feedback emails, and performance reviews that highlight your contributions and positive impact on others. Lessons Learnt Document - Whether you win or not, it is the lesson that matters, so document it and share learning with your peers, for their benefit.

Clearly articulate what your personal brand represents. Summarize your core values, strengths, and unique qualities. Transparently discuss areas where you’re still growing, showing that you’re committed to continuous improvement. Provide specific examples of your past achievements that align with your personal brand. Highlight how these examples demonstrate your core values and strengths. Discuss current projects or initiatives that reflect your personal brand identity, showing how you consistently embody your brand in your work. Ensure that your actions and behaviors are consistent with your personal brand. Share instances where your actions have demonstrated your brand values.

In a previous role, my supervisor questioned whether my assertiveness in meetings truly reflected my collaborative nature, a key part of my personal brand. I responded by explaining how my approach balanced assertiveness with inclusivity, aiming to drive discussion while ensuring everyone's input was valued. By consistently demonstrating this in meetings and projects, I illustrated how my actions authentically represented my personal brand of collaborative leadership. This alignment not only clarified my identity but also strengthened trust and credibility with my supervisor and team.

Share the story behind your personal brand – how it developed over time and what experiences shaped it. Connect your personal brand to your job performance by showing how your brand identity helps you excel in your role. Present quantifiable results and metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your personal brand on your work and the team. Refer to performance reviews that highlight strengths and qualities aligned with your brand identity. Ensure that your daily actions and decisions reflect your personal brand, reinforcing its authenticity. Highlight the benefits your personal brand brings to your team and the organization, such as improved collaboration, innovation, or leadership.

Keep up with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices relevant to your field. Show that you are committed to evolving your skills and knowledge. Regularly set new personal and professional goals that reflect the growth and development of your brand identity. Solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors to gain diverse perspectives on your strengths and areas for improvement. Periodically reflect on your achievements, setbacks, and learning experiences. Use these reflections to make informed adjustments to your personal brand.