Issue 013: Can Actions Dictate a Brand?
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“Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.”
– Chris Ducker
Did you ever hear someone discuss a leader who talks about teamwork, yet consistently micromanages his team? Or make a remark about a colleague? “Here comes Jason, late as usual?” Jason has created a negative habit and he’s known for it.
Once, I had a boss who always said, “no” to anything new. His motto was “We always did it this way.” Innovation wasn’t on his radar.
More than likely, you’ve come across something similar at least once. Consider these signals as insights into a person’s brand. What the person does personally will impact him professionally and vice versa. Personal and professional principles need to be authentic to be congruent. When they are not authentic, the incongruencies surface.
In my Bounce-Up™ 30 Day Challenge, I posted a question about gratitude. A group member commented, “As I see this post, it makes me realize I’m grateful you are still in this world and continuing your awesome attitude and lifestyle.”
Wow! First, I was deeply touched by the comment and appreciated it. This member nailed my spirit and brand. Then, I remembered a time when I wasn’t congruent.
Two years ago, on a Saturday evening, I got stuck in Arizona because the first leg of my flight home from a business trip canceled. Having spent a year once as a travel writer, delays and cancelations don’t bother me…except for this one. My youngest granddaughter’s first birthday celebration was the next day and I would miss it.
On social media, I posted “Stuck in Arizona. My favorite airline let me down. I’m so disappointed.”
A corporate client responded, “Mj, I never heard you down before. You’re always upbeat. You’re always so happy.”
Immediately, I recognized that I let my reaction drive the post that was inconsistent with my personal and professional brand. I hadn’t realized the impact and expectations of the brand I had developed until that moment.
Brands are as distinct as classic cars. Staying true and congruent is what makes a brand. Whether you have a business or not, you have developed a brand.
When you think about the late Kobe Bryant, sports and fitness probably come to mind. His investment and partnership with BODYARMOR sports drink in 2013 makes sense. Fitness and sports were part of Kobe’s brand, which aligned with the premium sport water created for those with an active lifestyle.
Going back to my canceled flight situation. Once I put aside my initial disappointment, I got to work. After all, I had plenty of experience with canceled flights and being proactive aligned with my brand. I found a flight that would get me home with time to get ready for the celebration.
Maybe you’ve given thought to your brand or maybe you haven’t. Wherever you are in the journey, it’s always good to evaluate if your actions are proactive with your brand.
Are your actions in alignment with the brand you want to project?
How would your peers describe your personal and professional brand?
Will today’s “brand” take you where you want to go in two years from now?
Until next time, have a Bounce-Up™ day!
Mj
