Finding Your Voice

I used to have a real fear of singing. During work offsites, engagement parties, or at bars when the karaoke machine came out, I'd go silent, instead encouraging others to take the mic and face the crowd. It felt terrifying, and I knew I needed to practice, but it was a daunting prospect.

Once at a work networking event, we had to introduce ourselves with random facts, including our favorite karaoke track. This led to a revelation that would later connect my experience with singing to the world of leadership. The act of thinking of my "favorite" karaoke song actually pushed me out of my comfort zone. I struggled to even think of a song, eventually making one up that sounded good: "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. People at the event smiled, giving me thumbs up, but that track didn't feel like me.

During COVID, I had the chance to do karaoke in a more relaxed setting with a few close friends, and I was able to revisit the question of what song most resonated with me. When I found a song that suited my voice and that I could authentically embrace, that's when I finally realized the connection between finding my "go-to" karaoke track, and my ability to step outside of my comfort zone. It wasn't about just overcoming my fear of singing, it was about finding the right song. The more I sang this go-to track in different environments, the more comfortable I felt, and I began to truly enjoy and excel at something that felt genuine. I also grew confident that everyone was enjoying my singing too. These parallels became clear to me and is how I advise and coach leaders to find their unique leadership 'voice’.

The journey to finding your unique voice, whether in singing or leadership, is empowering. It takes time, trial, and tinkering, but once you have it in place, there's no denying the transformation you can experience. Your "go-to" track is your key ingredient to master: the more confident you are with your unique 'track’, the more you'll continue to expand yourself with newfound confidence, and you’ll find a ‘flow’ as well as an audience (your followers) that will lift you up to new heights.

So, I – the guy who was once afraid to sing – am now often the first to go up for karaoke. I am also now singing in a choir, and the harmony and teamwork there are simply magical. Just as I couldn't enjoy karaoke until I sang songs that resonated with me, as leaders we need to practice over time to zero in on our authentic leadership style. Authenticity is key here – while it's tempting to follow the crowd, it's your unique sound and ‘score’ that will amplify your voice and attract and grow your following.

Some things I have leaders think about in terms of their unique leadership 'track':

1. Lean into Your Values: To truly amplify your voice, how aligned is your track choice with your core values??
2. Growth Through Iteration: Feedback empowers you to lead with confidence, even in challenging times. How are you seeking feedback from trusted mentors, team members and peers to refine your pitch and volume??
3. Empowering Others: Beautiful music comes from singing together. How are you creating harmony, empowerment and transformation in others?

Finding your unique leadership voice is a journey about self-discovery, authenticity, and the courage to lead in your own way. Just like my singing experience, once you tune your leadership, you'll experience the power and confidence that come with embracing your authentic voice.

So… what’s your go-to leadership track? Do you want to explore and refine your leadership? At Silver Lining , I focus on empowering leaders, teams, and organizations to overcome obstacles, triumph over challenges, and embrace new opportunities. Contact me to learn more about how we can grow your leadership voice together.?

In the meantime, let's keep singing, keep leading, and keep embracing our authentic selves! ?? ?

?? Oh, and my karaoke track? It's a Justin Bieber classic, "Love Yourself", a title at the true core of leadership and personal growth!

#Leadership #Authenticity #FindYourVoice #Coaching #Empowerment #SilverLining