“You’re definitely a morning person,” someone told me recently. Funny enough, on the same day, another person insisted I was not a morning person at all. So, which is it? The truth is—it doesn’t really matter. Some days I choose to rise early; other days I love a good lie-in.
This is a simple example of how quickly we label people—and ourselves. But in leadership, the labels we carry can be far more consequential.
Some leaders tell themselves, “I’m not good at conflict,” or “I’m not strategic enough,” or “I’m too soft/hard to lead this team.” These self-imposed labels shape how you show up, the decisions you make, and the influence you have.
I was coaching a client recently who believed he was a “procrastinator.” Yet when we looked at his track record, he was efficient, decisive, and highly respected. The problem wasn’t his behavior—it was the story he told himself. His self-belief was holding him back as a leader more than any skill gap.
One of the mining managers I coach said “I’m a slow learner”. He didn’t even realise he was repeating this. We reframed it to “I learn through repetition” – a much more useful statement that fit him exactly.
Ask yourself: What kind of leader do you think you are? What labels are defining your leadership style—and which ones are limiting your impact?
Leaders often inherit beliefs about themselves from past experiences, feedback, or early career conditioning. These beliefs can unconsciously dictate your confidence, your ability to take risks, and the way you inspire others.
This is where coaching becomes transformative. A skilled coach challenges the assumptions you’ve accepted as truth, helping you see beyond limiting labels and embrace your full leadership potential. They help you rewrite the story you tell yourself—so you lead from a place of clarity, confidence, and possibility.
Yes, it’s helpful to know your strengths and peak productivity times—but it’s even more powerful to recognise when your “limitations” are self-imposed. You can shift your mindset, redefine your leadership, and take bold action—once you challenge the stories holding you back.
Action Step: Notice the labels you attach to yourself as a leader. Question them. Then choose the beliefs that empower you to lead with confidence, influence, and impact.
If you’d like to find out how coaching can help you, book a complimentary call with me here.
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