Brand Yourself to be a Leader

I wrote the below message as the weekly leadership message for my soccer team. It's something I discuss in pieces and parts with lots of people I interact with; but, like the way the below written discussion summed up everything. ENJOY!
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Brand Yourself to be a Leader

You hold a position that no one else ever has or ever will. You are the CEO of your personal brand. You have the power and responsibility to develop and define your own brand. Your personal brand represents: WHO you are, what you STAND for, and what you want to be KNOWN for. It remains consistent and guides you through all aspects of your life – personal, professional, athletic and social. 

Where do you start? Your Foundation. At the most basic level, your foundation encompasses your core values, personal mission/philosophy, and future plans and goals. Your foundation defines how you lead yourself day-to-day.

Like an iceberg, your foundation should be solid and established, but not everything is visible to every passerby.  As a leader on your team, within athletics, at the university, and in the community, what is most often visible? Your behaviors, language and actions. And, let’s not forget about your social media!

If you’re a leader, what should you remember?

      *You cannot lead others if you cannot lead yourself.
      *Part of leading is being self-aware, knowing your values and beliefs… 
         knowing your brand!
      *Don’t be a leader by convenience. Be a leader everywhere at all times.

Make the choice. Take action. Brand yourself to be a leader.

 “YOU” and “Aggies”

As is true in life outside of athletics, you often times represent your brand of “YOU” and the brand of an outside organization that you are integrally involved in. As you leave Utah State, it will most likely be your employer. But, in the here and now, you represent the “Aggie” brand too.

Your brand and “Aggies” should be like two people holding hands. They are connected and intertwined. As you lead yourself through behaviors, words and actions, you are leading your teammates. Your leadership is also representing your team, athletics and Utah State. As our Athletic Director always says, Athletics is the front porch of Utah State. So, as you brand yourself through your foundation and social media, keep in mind it’s proudly being displayed on Utah State’s front porch – even when the lights are off! 

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. 

There is no one alive who is Youer than You." 

~Dr. Seuss

Graduation Gift: Power of a Note

This is exactly what I wrote, yes handwritten, to my twin cousins for their high school graduation gift. I included a box of blank thank you notes with my directions and card. The last one is very specific to them, but I usually detail a sibling, parent, etc when I do this for others. 

This is not your typical graduation gift. It will require thought, reflection and work. Despite the extra effort, this gift has the great potential for personal reward and positively impacting others.

First, make sure you read, “A Few Things You Should Know.” Then, open the “Directions” envelop to reveal the real gift.

Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished. Good luck in your next journey. If you fall down, stand back up. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. If you need a listening ear, call.

Love you lots! 

A Few Things You Should Know...

1. The most important thing in life is RELATIONSHIPS.
2. There are two things in life you can control… your attitude and how hard you work. Always control the controllable.
3. The power of a personal note is limitless. Harness this power and use it for good.
4. In life there are no mulligans, but there are lessons to be learned. Take advantage of the opportunity to grow during every celebration and struggle.

Directions

The gift. Now is when the work begins. You can read the directions now, but you should sit down when you can focus on this undistracted. Put your heart into it.

You are going to write a personal note to the individuals below. Get their addresses and get a few stamps. You’re going to need them. Your notes should be genuine, heartfelt and honest. Don’t hold back.

1. A Mentor. This should be someone who has been an incredible, powerful guide in your life. They have helped you become the person you are and supported you as you pursue your goals. Tell them the impact they’ve had in and on your life.
2. A Best Friend. Really think about who this person is. It should be a person you can be completely open and honest with. It should be someone that’s seen you at your best and worst. It should be someone that you may not always agree with, but if they’re in trouble you’ll rush to help. It should be someone you can go a day, a week, a year without seeing, yet you would have no hesitation picking up the phone to celebrate or cry. Tell your Best Friend the role they play in your life; declare your relationship. This note should not be surface level.
3. Your Sister. No arguing or eye rolling; I get to make the rules. Whether or not you like each other every minute of every day, you unconditionally love each other. You have an incredible ability to influence each other’s lives. A positive message from your sister can build you up and help you achieve new heights. A negative word or name from your sister can tear you down quicker than whispers or shouts from any other person. For the first time ever, you’re about to part ways. Write your sister a personal note. Something for her to read when you cannot see her reaction – whether it be after leaves on her new adventure or starts her first day of school. This should be something she can look back at after a rough day and truly ‘feel the love.’ Make it meaningful. Share the love.