What if your greatest leadership strength isn’t about standing out, but about belonging?
In the latest episode of Leadership Unlocked, we explored the powerful concept of identity leadership with psychologist and researcher Tarli Young. Here’s what that means and why it matters more than ever.
What Is Identity Leadership?
At its heart, identity leadership is about leading through shared identity, not personal superiority. It’s the conscious act of building, reinforcing and embodying a collective sense of “us” within a team.
“When we talk about leadership, we’re also talking about followership. Identity leadership is about recognising that power doesn’t come from being different from your group – it comes from being of the group.”
Rather than setting yourself apart as a leader, it is your job to create connection, community and cohesion. You build trust by aligning with what matters to the team, and you lead by example from within the group, not above it.
The Village Is the Vision
At Corporate Edge, we often use the metaphor of a village to describe high-functioning teams. In a village, everyone has a role to play. Identity leadership builds that same ecosystem of mutual respect, interdependence and shared ownership.
Leaders practising identity leadership:
Take the time to understand what their team values
Co-create vision, purpose and goals with their team
Encourage people to contribute their strengths in their own way
It’s not about all being the same, it’s about being on the same page and embracing diversity to achieve a shared purpose.
The result? People feel safe to grow, to experiment, to lean into their edge – because they’re backed by a team that genuinely sees them.
Belonging Drives Performance
Belonging isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a performance enhancer.
When people identify with their team, they’re more likely to:
Take ownership of outcomes
Support one another through challenges
Engage deeply with the vision
Go above and beyond without burning out
It’s when leaders transform from ‘I’ to ‘us’ that they unlock collective success.
Leaders become more trusted and influential when they’re seen as one of the group. Not only does this build buy-in, but it also improves conflict resolution, cooperation, and the way that people engage with policies and change.
When identity is shared, alignment comes naturally.
Burnout Prevention Starts with Us
Burnout is rising across industries, and identity leadership is a quiet, powerful antidote.
Why? Because a strong team identity:
Encourages social support (one of the strongest buffers against burnout)
Builds a sense of purpose and meaning in daily work
Creates psychological safety through trust and mutual care
This isn’t just about wellbeing – it’s about sustainability. For your people for your purpose, and for your performance.
Where to Start
The beauty of identity leadership? You don’t need a title change or permission from your People & Culture team to begin.
Start small, start local, and start with your team.
Here’s how:
Shift your mindset – See yourself as part of the team, not above it
Get curious – Discover what your team values and what they care about
Co-create your ‘why’ – Build shared meaning together
Show up – Consistently, authentically, and visibly
Protect your team – Advocate for them and shape boundaries where possible
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the path forward, together.
Final Thought
Leadership that is grounded in identity creates teams that are not only more effective but also more human. It brings to life what many of us crave at work: a sense of purpose, connection, and community.
So the next time you feel the pressure to have it all figured out, remember that you don’t need to lead from the front. You just need to lead from within.
