The Unadvertised Version of Leadership: Character

Leadership in 180 Seconds: Lessons I have learnt as a leader that few talk about

Leadership isn’t just about strategy or vision. These are important aspects of leadership. However without today’s topic your strategy and vision are likely to fall over.

It’s about character. The unadvertised side of leadership is facing your own doubts, blind spots, and flaws.

When you trust yourself and show up authentically, your influence grows. When insecurity creeps in, it shrinks.

Ask yourself: What personal doubts are limiting my influence? Which character flaw do I need to face head-on? Who can help me see what I can’t?

The strongest leaders aren’t perfect—they are self-aware. They take responsibility for their growth and lead from a place of confidence, not fear.

• Transcript

  When people think about leadership, they often think about vision, strategy, or execution. They imagine big decisions, inspiring speeches, or clever solutions. And while all of these are important, there’s a side of leadership that rarely gets talked about—the side that isn’t in the job description. That side is character.

  Character is the foundation of influence. It’s the invisible currency that determines whether people follow you because they respect you—or merely because they have to. And here’s the hard truth: if you don’t get honest about your own character flaws, you’ll never reach your full influence as a leader.

  I’ve noticed this in my own leadership journey. When I trust myself, when I’m confident in my decisions and comfortable with who I am, I find that people respond differently. My influence grows—not because I’ve made a better plan or delivered a better presentation, but because I show up authentically and consistently. Conversely, when insecurity creeps in, when I second-guess myself or worry too much about what others think, my ability to lead shrinks. People sense uncertainty, and their confidence in me dims.

  Brutal honesty is required. Leadership demands that we look inside, not just at processes or outcomes, but at ourselves. What doubts are limiting our impact? Which behaviours or attitudes are quietly undermining our influence? Facing these questions isn’t comfortable—it’s rarely glamorous—but it’s essential. The more you confront your blind spots and sort out your character, the stronger your leadership becomes.

  You don’t have to do it alone. Trusted colleagues, mentors, or coaches can help illuminate the areas you can’t see on your own. Sometimes a simple conversation can reveal patterns you’ve overlooked for years. And sometimes, the reflection itself—pausing to ask the hard questions—is enough to spark meaningful change.

  So, take a moment today to reflect. Ask yourself: what personal doubts are shrinking my influence right now? Which character flaw do I need to face head-on? Who could help me see my blind spots?

  Leadership isn’t just about the results you achieve or the decisions you make. It’s about the person you are becoming. Influence grows when character grows, and character grows when we are willing to be honest, humble, and intentional about our own development.