Dolly Parton once said, “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” It’s a powerful sentiment, and one that speaks directly to the heart of personal branding.
As HR professionals, the path to leadership requires more than just experience or technical skill; it calls for intentionality in shaping how others see you. This begins with a clear understanding of your values—those guiding principles that shape your actions, influence your decisions, and communicate what you stand for.
Just as Dolly suggests, success in leadership requires knowing who you are and living that out with purpose. Values are a defining component of who you are, and they’re more than a checklist of good qualities. They are aspirational, guiding you not just in who you are now, but who you want and need to become in order to reach the Executive level.
In this episode, we’ll explore how aligning your values with your career goals sets the foundation for an impactful personal brand.
Are you ready to figure out who you are and start doing it on purpose?
Today, we’re diving into a critical component of career growth: personal branding.
Building a brand that reflects your values is more than a polished resume or LinkedIn profile; it’s the unique impression you leave on others, the legacy you’re building in every interaction, and the reason why people think of you for leadership roles.
By defining and embodying the values that align with your vision, you’re laying the groundwork for a personal brand that positions you for an executive role.
We’re all familiar with the interview questions – why do you want this job? Why should we hire you for this job? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Tell us about a time when you had a difficult situation at work and how did you handle it?
Now these are not great interview questions and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend using any of them – but they are fairly traditional questions. And what is at the core of each of these questions? Your personal brand. Who are you as a person? What are your values? And what is your personal mission?
Why Personal Branding Matters, Especially for HR Professionals
As HR professionals, especially those aspiring to reach the executive level, your personal brand is vital. Think of it as a bridge between where you are and where you want to go.
At higher leadership levels, people need to know you’re not only skilled in HR but also a trusted advisor, a strategic thinker, and an advocate for people and culture.
Your brand is a differentiator that sets you apart from other qualified professionals and positions you as a leader with a unique, valuable approach. A strong personal brand boosts visibility and helps decision-makers recognize your potential.
When you have a well-defined brand, it becomes easier to communicate your value to others. This can directly impact opportunities for advancement, your influence on key decisions, and even your job satisfaction.
When you envision your future in an HR executive role, the values that will guide you there may need to evolve from where they are today.
What values will you need in order to propel you forward? Values like – courage to make tough calls, resilience in the face of challenges, and authenticity to lead with integrity.
As you shape your personal brand, you’ll need to reflect on not only your current values but also those that align with the executive you aim to become. It’s a process that requires clarity and intentionality.
A strong personal brand allows you to stand out in a crowded field and makes people remember you for all the right reasons. This can open doors to promotions, project opportunities, or even roles in executive leadership.
Developing Your HR Personal Brand
There are three steps to developing a personal brand that sets you apart and speaks to your ambitions in HR:
Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity
Start by understanding your strengths, values, and passions. Think about this through both a professional HR lens – What aspects of HR are you most drawn to and what specific expertise do you bring?, as well as Personally – Are you known for your empathy, your strategic mindset, or your ability to build strong teams?
Identify your core strengths, values, and the impact you want to make.
Step 2: Build Your Visibility
Once you’ve identified your unique value, find ways to showcase it. Personal branding is about consistency. It’s how you show up every day and what you put out into the world. This can include your social media presence, how you engage in meetings, or the way you support others.
Visibility is key – people need to see you in action and recognize your expertise.
Step 3: Network and Influence
Finally, cultivate relationships with mentors, leaders, and peers who can help you advance. Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about establishing mutual value.
In HR, your brand can benefit immensely from advocating for meaningful connections. Join HR associations, attend workshops, and connect with others who can amplify your reach and open doors to new opportunities.
Common HR Personal Brand Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Building a personal brand isn’t without challenges. Some people worry it may feel too self-promotional.
Remember, branding isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about authentically showcasing who you are.
Don’t let perfectionism stop you. Your brand will evolve, and it’s okay to start where you are.
Seek feedback from mentors or colleagues who know you well. They can help you identify the qualities that others value in you and give you insights into areas to strengthen.
Your challenge for this week is to write down three strengths and values that define you. Reflect on these often as you shape your brand.
If you’re ready to develop a solid Personal Brand, go to my website at www.HRHigherVersion.com and grab a strategy session with me. You’ll complete an assessment to identify your values and I’ll spend 90 minutes with you crafting your Personal Brand. I look forward to talking with you soon.
