Are you a Inspirational Leader?
I was pondering today and possibly procrastinating about my blog post today and what it takes to be an inspirational leader. Do I have what it takes? One of the hardest things to do as a leader is inspire your team. You can manage them, but you’ll never see team members perform at their best unless they’re truly inspired by you. The more inspirational you are, the more motivated each team member is to work harder and become better at their job. Learning this valuable leadership skill isn’t as hard as you might believe.
Share Your Story
Share Your StoryEmployees rarely believe you’ve ever been in their shoes. Why should they listen to someone who couldn’t possibly understand them? Start by telling your team about yourself, including strengths and weaknesses. Explain how you got to this point in life. People are more inspired by leaders they can easily relate to.
I was speaking with my business coach today and I ask her the following question:
What is my biggest weakness? What do you walk away from a session and say holds me back?
I held my breath, waited and then she responded. Her response did not take me by surprise since it is a problem I have dealt with for many years. I am guarded around others, especially in large crowds or new people. It is difficult for me to get out of myself and click with others immediately.
After I warm up to someone and acclimate to a large group setting I can connect and click with those around me. What about you?
Encourage New Ideas
Inspire your team by asking for their input. Get their creative juices flowing and prove to them they are valuable to you and the team. You don’t have to know everything just because you’re an entrepreneur. Let your team help you. Constantly encourage your team to share any ideas they might have.
Bounce Back From Failure
You won’t achieve every goal the first time. You will fail, but you can try again. Leaders who bounce back from failure without placing blame or a negative attitude are highly inspirational. You instill a can-do attitude in the entire team. If you don’t believe in failure, they won’t either.
Work Alongside The Team
No one really wants to follow a leader that’s afraid to work. Inspire your team to do their best by working right alongside them. Train them, show them shortcuts and prove you’re willing to work hard to succeed. If you’re a hard worker, they’ll be inspired to work just as hard so they can be more successful too.
Talk To Each Team Member
One of the best ways to inspire your team is to simply talk to them. Take the time to learn their strengths, weaknesses, goals and fears. Once you understand them, help them improve their weaker areas and conquer fears. Give them tasks that play to their strengths and training that may help lead them towards their goals. People feel inspired by this type of personal attention and generosity. You’ll be amazed at how much happier and how much harder employees work as a result.
Stay Positive
It might seem overly simple, but a positive attitude is highly inspirational. For instance, if the day has been one disaster after another, yet you’re still positive, the entire team’s morale will remain higher. Over time, this naturally inspires them to keep a positive attitude in the face of adversity. The team will work better, even under the most stressful circumstances.
Being an inspirational leader is key to creating a productive, efficient team that’s happy and eager to work hard. Try to be the person you want your team members to be. Lead by example and the team will follow.
I help eliminate the overwhelm in your business so you can concentrate of leading your team and building your business. Please contact me today so we can discuss your overwhelm and develop a system to help your business soar!