Most people tend describe themselves by focusing on the kinds of things you might find in a resume or bio — their status. The goal of your Leader Profile is completely different. You want speak in a way that allows people to resonate with your state — who you really are, so that they feel instantly related to you.
In the first step, you copied the Leader Profile template to your own project folder in Google Drive. Now, make another copy of this template inside your project folder, and rename it to Leader Profile – [my name] v1. By using version numbers, you’ll always be able to refer back to prior work and enjoy your progress.
Once again, it is important to not spend more than one hour drafting your first version of your Leader Profile. If you are my student, we’ll quickly refine your Leader Profile in by working together inside of Google Docs.
As with the Project Overview step, below are the topic headers with guidance about how I train my students to respond in a way that creates resonance with the listener. If you haven’t seen the Leader Profile template yet, click here to get your own free copy.
Leader Profile Topics – Explained
1. Current Focus
GOAL: Help people get to know you based on your commitments.
- What are you focused on right now?
- Why does it matter?
Most people describe themselves by speaking about their titles or track record. This is a subtle form of approval seeking which is the opposite of leadership. Leaders describe themselves by their commitments and goals. This instantly creates the opportunity for deeper resonance.
2. Priorities
GOAL: Bring a sense of structure to your commitments to your actions.
- Where are you applying your time, energy, or resources today?
Get more granular about what you are doing now. This helps people get to know you by your current actions, which inspires action in your audience.
3. Challenges
GOAL: Humanize the conversation to set the stage for receiving support.
- What challenges are you navigating right now?
- What are you doing to resolve them?
Nobody likes to talk about their struggles, but everybody has them! Show that you are a human being like everyone else, and that you’re committed to overcoming your struggles to achieve your vision.
4. Experience
GOAL: Use your experiences to create a stronger sense of relatedness.
- What experiences have shaped the way you think and work?
- What are some important lessons or changes you’ve made as a result?
When we use the word experience, we tend to think of job qualifications or other resume topics. Instead, use real life events that made you into the kind of person you are today. Stories about your life changing moments can create powerful bonds.
5. Legacy
GOAL: Establish yourself as someone who will persevere for the longer term
- What achievements would you like to leave as your legacy?
- When do you envision these achievements becoming real in the world?
Let others see what truly motivates you. It’s a whole different way for people to understand who you are, and helps them clearly decide if they want to help you accomplish your vision.