Ep. 29 | Lead Stoked: An Update with Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland on Identity Strengths in Team Dynamics and Leadership

Written By Sarah Bettman
 
 

In the latest episode of the Live Stoked | Lead Stoked podcast, I welcome back Dr. Stephanie Kirkland for a fantastic discussion on identity leadership. The conversation gets into the power of language, the importance of diversity in team dynamics, and the profound impact of leading from a place of authenticity. 

The Foundation of Identity Leadership

Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland emphasizes that identity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. She explains that too often, leadership norms require individuals to depersonalize themselves to fit into a predetermined mold of what a leader should look like. This traditional approach often neglects the personal values, beliefs, and authentic traits that make each leader unique.

The Consequence of Inauthentic Leadership

When leaders suppress their true selves, they can experience significant internal conflict, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. This inauthenticity becomes palpable to their teams, creating environments of distrust and stagnation. Dr. Stephanie elucidates how adopting an identity leadership approach transforms these negative dynamics, fostering a space where leaders and their teams thrive through mutual respect and understanding.

Creating Safe and Celebratory Team Environments

Our conversation highlights the value of embracing diversity in communication styles and leveraging cultural backgrounds within teams. By acknowledging and celebrating racial and gender contributions, teams can drive creativity and innovation more effectively. It's crucial to create safe spaces where open discussions about cultural backgrounds and their impact on teamwork can thrive.

The "Identity Pitch" Activity

Dr. Stephanie shares a transformative activity known as the "identity pitch," where team members share who they are and how they bring their unique strengths and talents to the group. This activity, encapsulated in the form of “calling cards” (available on Amazon and co-created by Richard Leiter and Shapiro), helps individuals recognize their strengths and passions, leading to more meaningful interactions within a team.

Moving Beyond Traditional Leadership Norms

Leadership in the U.S. has evolved from a command and control model, heavily influenced by military structures. This model often overlooks the necessity of bringing one’s whole self into leadership spaces, creating a mismatch between personal identity and leadership expectations. Dr. Kirkland’s research highlights the importance of self-awareness and the ability to lead authentically.

Embracing Authentic Leadership for Everyone

The insights shared in this episode echo a powerful message: leadership is deeply personal and requires ongoing identity work. By understanding and embracing one’s true self, leaders can inspire trust, foster team cohesion, and drive collective success. 

Dr. Stephanie Kirkland’s upcoming book further explores these concepts, offering practical guidance for anyone looking to lead with authenticity.

Connect with Dr. Stepahnie M. Kirkland:

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Previous Episode with Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland:

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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