#88: Who are you becoming as a leader in 2026?
If you’re just joining me (or if you’ve been following the Leadership Journey Series but life got in the way)—you’re exactly where you need to be.
This isn’t about catching up. This is about clarity.
And clarity doesn’t care what week it is.
Here's what nobody tells you when you step into your first leadership role: you're going to try on a lot of ill-fitting identities before you find the one that actually fits.
I did.
When I became a supervisor in the for-profit industry, I did what most new leaders do—I followed the books. I tried being everyone's friend first. That didn't work. So I swung completely the other way and held rigid authority. That failed too.
And here's the kicker: neither approach felt like me.
The breakthrough came when I finally let myself follow my heart instead of all those "you should" sentiments from leadership books. I stopped trying to be the leader I thought I was supposed to be and started creating genuine connection and influence by being myself.
But even then, I was still leading on instinct. I hadn't named it yet.
Years later, I found myself asking the questions that would change everything: What is my brand as a leader? What are my values? What do I uniquely bring to this team? What do I want to be known for?
Those questions led me to develop what is now the SHiNE Framework—and it has been the foundation of my impact as a leader ever since.
The Sheet of Paper That Changed Everything
Want to know what my leadership blueprint looked like in the beginning?
It wasn't fancy. It was a sheet of paper where I wrote down what staff and colleagues consistently appreciated most about my leadership. What they valued. What impact it had.
I still have that paper today.
Here's what most leaders don't know about me: I kept every card, every note, every significant email I received. I took note of what impact my leadership had and what I should continue doing.
Instead of constantly trying to fix what I wasn't good at, I focused on doing more of what people already valued.
It worked.
Here's the principle: Focus more on what you do that comes effortlessly AND is also valued. Stop exhausting yourself trying to become someone else's version of a "good leader."
Why Your Leadership Identity Matters in 2026
When crisis hits (and it will), other leaders respond passively. They react. They get swept up in the chaos.
But when you have a clearly defined leadership identity—a north star that grounds you—you can stay connected to your standards. You can lead with intention instead of reaction.
This is especially critical in healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors where you're constantly pulled in seventeen directions, where the mission matters deeply, and where your team needs stability in the storm.
I learned this through years of leading organizational changes—program closures, staff transitions, major refocusing efforts. When things got hard, my leadership identity kept me grounded. It helped me stay transparent when I didn't have all the answers. It reminded me to engage people even when they hated what was happening. It guided me to lead from the front, the side, AND from behind—not just as "the boss."
That north star? It came from declaring and intentionally putting in writing my leadership DNA.
And I didn't feel the freedom, the joy, the deep alignment until I did.
Your Turn: The 10-Minute Leadership DNA Exercise
This is your chance to create the first draft of your Leadership DNA Statement for 2026. Not a resume. Not a job description. A declaration of who you're becoming.
Step 1: Mine Your Feedback (3 minutes)
Think back over this year—or your entire leadership journey if you're just starting. Ask yourself:
- What do people consistently thank me for or appreciate about my leadership?
- What have I received in cards, notes, or emails that stood out?
- When have I felt most aligned and energized as a leader?
Write down at least 3-5 things people have valued about your leadership.
Step 2: Identify What Comes Effortlessly (3 minutes)
Now ask:
- What comes naturally to me that others seem to struggle with?
- Where do I create impact without even trying?
- What would I keep doing even if no one was watching?
Write down 2-3 things that feel effortless AND valuable.
Step 3: Write Your Leadership DNA Statement (4 minutes)
Now pull it together. Complete these sentences:
"I am becoming a leader who..." "People can count on me to..." "What I uniquely bring is..." "I want to be known for..."
Don't overthink it. This is your first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be honest.
This is the beginning of your leadership identity—your north star for 2026.
What I Wish I'd Known
When I was swinging between being everyone's friend and being the rigid authority figure, I thought I was just "bad at leadership."
I didn't realize I was trying to be someone I wasn't.
I didn't realize that following my heart—leading authentically—was actually the answer.
I didn't realize that declaring my leadership DNA would give me the freedom and joy I'd been searching for.
I just thought I had to keep trying harder to fit the mold.
But here's what I learned: There is no mold. There's only YOU—becoming the leader you're meant to be.
And when you finally name that, claim that, and own that?
Everything shifts.
Leave a spark wherever you go.
P.S. This is part of an 8-week leadership reset I'm running through January—but each week stands alone. You can jump in anytime.
Next Saturday: drawing your lines in the sand (the 3 non-negotiables that will protect your capacity in 2026).
About the SHiNE Framework
This post is grounded in the SHiNE Leadership Framework-a proven model designed to help emerging leaders unlock their potential and lead with authenticity. Whether you're navigating healthcare, government, or nonprofit work, SHiNE provides the tools to build confidence, stay resilient, and lead with clarity.
Grounded in lifelong growth, empathy, humility, and integrity, SHiNE empowers you to embrace your unique strengths, connect with others, and inspire meaningful change.
SHiNE is about thriving as the leader you are meant to be.
Email: info@spirenzaconsulting.com
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