Make this the year you stop running from you. Discover what you are about. Know what you stand for. Start today. Show the world how unique you are. Be who you really are. Care about something. Find what is important to you. Be the leader you were meant to be. Maximize your authentic voice. Lead.

According to Tara Talbot, former VP of Human Resources at Workopolis, “the reason that most people get hired is the same as the reason most people get fired.” And that reason is personality. I want to add to that and say the same reason most people choose to work for you is the same reason they leave you.

Now, more than ever, your team is hungry. They are after something. They want your genuineness more than your skills, qualifications, product or service. They want an experience. They want an experience that is more authentic and real.

It starts with getting clear about you as a young leader. You are not any different from other young leaders around you who seem to have more control over their lives and careers. You just haven’t figured out how to have the right people around you who can help you maximize your potential.

While I was busy trying to hold on to these things that I thought were who I was, deep inside me was a deeply wounded little boy who needed someone to give him hope. I couldn’t find this hope in my profession, job, business or with friends. It came from a personal coach.

I believe being professional, smart, persuasive, fun, and social is not enough to become who you want to be as a young leader and improve the quality of your life and team. Don’t get me wrong. It’s important to be professional, social, smart, and fun. You should strive to be all of those things.

I believe every young leader today needs personal coaching more than ever. For me, it was the fastest way to becoming who I wanted to be. Personal coaching helped me learn the most important skill every young leader needs to learn sooner rather than later – Authentic Leadership.