90 Days to Level Up Your Leadership

Week 3Leading Without True North

Benchmark goal: Learn the pitfalls of inauthentic leadership.

In Weeks 1 and 2, we explored the role that your life story and your crucible have in discovering your True North—your moral compass. This week, you will explore the risks and consequences of trying to lead if you haven't discovered your True North.

As a young leader, there are great risks in trying to get ahead too fast, as I know from my own experience. This is especially true if you jump into major leadership roles without first knowing who you are. You are subject to being driven by external gratification—money, fame, and power—and these great tempters can control you and your decisions, even if you aren't aware of their impact.

Before you move too fast to get ahead, take the inner journey to know who you are by understanding your life story. Why do so many leaders avoid grounding themselves in their life stories? They may fear vulnerability or lack close friends who can help them reflect on their experiences. They try to bury their past and put on a new mask. Or they get caught up in chasing the world's esteem by trying to accumulate money, fame, and power rather than pursuing their intrinsic motivations.

The consequence of denying or repressing your life story and your crucible can be severe. This can magnify your shadow side—the dark parts of your personality you find less desirable and try to repress. While the shadow operates hidden from view, it shapes your behavior. Many ...