One of my favorite activities is to travel. I love exploring different locations and cultures. During a recent vacation, my husband and I went on a cruise of the Western Caribbean.

Photo by Kim Moore

We visited four ports during our cruise. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

Our first port of call was Grand Cayman. It is a beautiful island known for its luscious flora, breathtaking underwater sights, luxury shopping and famous white sand beaches. Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach is rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

During our visit to Grand Cayman, we had the opportunity to engage in another one of my favorite activities – shopping! Grand Cayman offers duty-free shopping on signature brands such as Versace, Tiffany, Gucci and many more. One of the signature brands available on the island is Baccarat.

Baccarat is world-famous crystal works and is a symbol of exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1764, when King Louis XV authorized glass works in Lorraine, France, Baccarat has decorated the ceremonial tables of Kings and Queens. In 1832, Baccarat opened its first store in Paris.

Baccarat chandeliers have graced the palaces of monarchs, homes of the rich and famous and the halls of legendary structures. Every Baccarat chandelier includes the famous Baccarat Red, a union of fire, incandescent crystal. The crystal is the signature of the brand.

But, more on that later…

[shareable cite=”Dr. Kim Moore”]Our leadership brand is built over time and is based on the choices we make every day”[/shareable]

Like Grand Cayman and Baccarat, every leader has a brand. The concept of personal branding first became popular in 1997. So, what is personal branding? According to Glenn Llopis, “personal branding is how you present and market yourself and your career as an individual.”

So why is it important is it to define your personal brand? Because your brand influences how others see you. Your brand defines “your leadership identity, your ability to value differences and enable the full potential of others” (Llopis).

[callout]Your brand will give you focus and directly impact your leadership success.[/callout]

Have you defined your brand? If your answer is no, then now is the time to develop your brand. So how do you build a brand? The following five steps from Dave Ulrich and Norm Smallwood will help you develop your personal brand:

  1. What results do you want to achieve in the next year? – Identify what you want to accomplish over the next 12 months.
  2. What do you wish to be known for? – Develop a list of six descriptors that reflect your natural abilities and the qualities you need to accomplish your goals.
  3. Define you identify – combine your descriptors into three two-word phrases that reflect your desired identity.
  4. Construct your brand statement, then test it – “I want to be known for being ________ so that I can deliver ________.”
  5. Make your brand identity real – align your day-to-day actions with your brand. Ask your accountability partners to give you feedback on your progress.

Now, for the rest of the story…

As my husband and I were strolling the shopping area, we (I) decided to browse the Baccarat store. I love beautiful crystal and could not pass up the opportunity to admire the fine craftsmanship of Baccarat.

After admiring a gorgeous Baccarat Red pendant, my husband purchased it for me. I am now the proud owner of Baccarat!

Remember, as a leader our goal is to always add value to others. Therefore, as you develop your brand always keep in mind why you do what you do.

Leadership is a privilege. It’s your responsibility to create an environment where individuals want to work with and for you.

What is your leadership brand?

Your friend,
Kim

Dr. Kim Moore, your guide to leading with confidence!

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Dr. Kim Moore

About the author

I'm Kim, your Educational Leadership Guide. I equip educational leaders with research-based and experientially learned educational leadership principles and best practices to promote student success.


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