Did you know that only 22% of teams believe their leaders have an evident plan for where to guide the business? That’s what a Gallup survey revealed.
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, organizations need an inspiring leader who can effectively lead them into the future. Without a clear vision and direction from this type of motivated individual, companies cannot keep up with rapidly evolving technologies, marketing strategies, and customer demands. Therefore, they become more vulnerable when it comes to achieving success. As such leaders encourage their teams to strive for greater heights despite difficult challenges along the way, businesses will be well equipped both now and going forward.
A person with inspiring leadership is the kind who motivates and encourages others. They bring out everyone’s confidence and best qualities with their words, actions, and energy, ensuring no one feels left behind when achieving goals. Someone like Winston Churchill demonstrated this in his leadership powerfully. He inspired those around him by highlighting Britain’s capabilities even through difficult times, maintaining a steadfast belief that they would never surrender despite any adversity ahead.
Inspirational leadership is the cornerstone of any successful organization. Inspiring leaders bring more fulfillment in their teams’ professional journeys through purposeful direction and motivation. To get the most from your team, discover some traits that make up an inspiring leader today and apply them to your own growth.
What Is Inspiring Leadership?
Inspiring leadership is a superpower that everyone has the potential to develop. It’s about being an example and encouraging others to reach their goals, no matter if you’re at an executive level or just starting out. With your everyday actions and mentality, you can help foster ambition in those around you, creating positive ripples of success.
Besides, inspiring leaders can look beyond someone’s present standing and recognize unique potential. They can empower people to reach their greatest heights through encouragement, motivation, and challenge.
6 Traits Of Inspiring Leadership
Great Listening Skills
An inspiring leader is more than just their eloquence. They must also be able to listen. Leaders that listen and take in the thoughts of others demonstrate respect. It creates a spirit of unity as people have confidence that their opinions are valued. When people witness a leader understanding what’s said to them, it spurs enthusiasm in followers and lays the groundwork for collective growth.
Listening intently to those around us is invaluable in building relationships and making people feel valued. Alexi Panos, author and humanitarian, explains the benefit of a human-centered approach- we are all connected by our shared experiences, emotions, and goals, not just transactions or services. A little bit of active listening goes a long way in demonstrating genuine care for another person’s point of view.
Approachability
Inspiring leaders recognize a crucial character trait within themselves: being approachable. They create an atmosphere where their team feels supported to communicate thoughts or ideas without judgment, allowing for vulnerability on both sides of the conversation. Approachable leadership also embodies relatability, understanding others as well as themself. This makes it easier to establish trust when leading with compassion.
Leaders who can express their vision and story in an approachable way leave a lasting impression. Sarah Ann Stewart, a health coach and entrepreneur found this to be true as her success grew through sharing personal experiences with others, something she believed was more engaging than trying solely to “sell.” So, remember, by displaying the human side of leadership, it’s easier for those around you to make meaningful connections that cultivate growth.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy whereby the leader or manager puts the needs of their team first. This leadership style focuses on employees’ welfare, development, and growth by creating an inclusive environment that allows individuals to reach their fullest potential.
Unlike traditional hierarchical corporate structures where power resides at the top, servant leaders set aside their own authority to empower those below them. They live out their values through active listening, collaboration, sincere communication, and effective problem-solving. Not only does this foster creativity, inspiration, and trust within the organization, but it also supports increased productivity among its people.
Leaders can truly make a difference in the lives of those around them when they take on the role of servant. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us that greatness is achieved through service and being kind-hearted.
Example Of Servant Leadership:
Business leaders can take a “people-first” approach to leadership and reap the rewards. A shining example of this is SAS, headed by CEO Jim Goodnight. The company has achieved national recognition for its exemplary workplace culture and commitment to employee welfare. Indeed, it’s no surprise that they’ve found success under his guidance.
Jim emphasizes taking care of people first with his words: “Treat employees like they make a difference, and they will.” It seems when you give your staff genuine appreciation through servant leadership style; their response makes business goals achievable!
Authenticity
Authenticity is key for inspirational leaders who let their true selves shine through in any situation. They make it a point to share the details of their background and experiences and what they aspire to achieve in the future. Doing so demonstrates an unshakeable pride in who they are, which others can recognize and respect. No matter where they are, inspirational leaders remain consistent and genuine. This endears them to those around them, making them even more effective in their roles.
Example Of An Authentic Leader:
Steve Jobs demonstrated inspirational leadership throughout his life, inspiring others with his remarkable authenticity. He candidly discussed the struggles and failures he experienced instead of simply glossing over them. During one commencement speech at Stanford University, many students were surprised that he focused more on times when things hadn’t gone according to plan rather than successes alone. Thanks to this kind of transparency, it’s easier for current leaders to learn from Job’s example by being open about their own missteps to garner trust while motivating those around them.
Role Modeling
Inspirational leaders have a way of inspiring leadership qualities in those around them. Instead of simply telling others what to do, they set an example by leading the way. By observing and learning from their example, team members gain clarity on their vision and direction. This creates opportunities for growth and development as they strive to become great leaders themselves.
A leader’s true power lies in their ability to be a role model. Leading by example is the best way for setting and enacting organizational values. When leaders exhibit empathy, kindness, and care within the workplace, those around them are inspired to do the same.
Example Of A Great Role Model:
Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, models the importance of taking time off, setting an example by carving out six weeks each year. His dedication to vacationing encourages employees to do the same. A PTO policy supporting this message allows employees to unplug and rejuvenate, reducing their risk of work-related burnout.
Passion
Inspirational leaders are the driving force behind any great endeavor. They demonstrate an undeniable passion for their mission, inspiring those around them to join in and share that same energy toward its achievement. By speaking about why they’re passionate about a goal or project, these inspirational figures make it easier for others to understand and buy into the bigger picture.
Leaders with a passion for their work create an energy that encourages others to be more enthusiastic and engaged. Additionally, they create motivation through their example of overcoming challenges and taking on even the toughest tasks with optimism and positivity. A leader’s passion also helps foster better collaboration among coworkers, creating an environment of mutual respect, open communication, and trust.
Example Of A Passionate Leader:
An inspiring example of a passionate leader who achieved great results is Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, from 1986 to 2000 and again from 2008. When Schultz returned to the company, it was facing difficulties due to rapid growth and attempts to diversify its menu. He refocused the business on coffee, his passion for which motivated him to close thousands of Starbucks stores to emphasize the importance of the product. Thanks to Schultz’s inspiring dedication, Starbucks turned its fortunes around, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How To Develop Inspirational Leadership Skills?
If you’re looking to become an inspiring leader, there are several ways you can hone your skills and bring others around. Take these steps as a starting point:
Develop Core Values
Core values provide strong foundations for teams to operate from. Principles such as community spirit, creativity, hard work ethic, innovation, and respect can help employees achieve goals with purpose. When selecting core values for your organization or workplace, be sure to consider what matters most not only during working hours but also beyond them.
Take Up Responsibilities
Being humble enough to take ownership of your faults can remarkably affect the collective morale within an organization. As someone in charge, highlighting that you’re open to constructive criticism and implementing necessary changes demonstrates a commitment to team success and personal growth. Additionally, showing genuine care for improving yourself sets an example worth emulating across any professional realm.
Get To Know Your Team
In the workplace, it’s important to make an effort to understand your colleagues’ individual personalities. Doing so can cultivate a team environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. Knowing what motivates each teammate will also allow you to adjust your leadership style accordingly, building stronger relationships that could benefit all involved.
Taking time out of our working day to get in tune with those around us encourages personal growth and ensures every voice is heard and respected within the office space.
Praise Good Work
Great leaders understand that success belongs to the team as a whole – and they don’t take credit for every win. By openly praising employees, motivation increases, and feelings of pride grow exponentially. This encourages them to strive even further in future projects. Taking responsibility without needing recognition is at the heart of inspirational leadership.
Conclusion
The power of inspiring leadership should never be underestimated. It’s a powerful force that can motivate teams to greater heights and create lasting success.
A leader who takes ownership of their mistakes, listens to input from their team, and celebrates success with those around them- all play vital roles in fostering an inspiring organization. Besides, leaders who can identify what motivates their colleagues and create an environment of trust and mutual respect will achieve great results. With the right attitude, any leader can become an inspirational one.
FAQs
What qualities make an inspirational leader?
The primary qualities of an inspirational leader are humility, authenticity, passion, respect for others, an understanding of what motivates team members, and a commitment to excellence. Leaders should also be open to constructive criticism and willing to take responsibility for their mistakes.
What are the benefits of inspirational leadership?
Perhaps the most significant benefit of inspirational leadership is the increased loyalty and commitment from employees. That means not only are employees more motivated to do their best work, but they are also more invested in helping the company achieve its goals. Furthermore, with an inspirational leader, employee engagement rises to new heights as staff becomes immersed in a culture of mutual respect and admiration.
What qualities are inspiring?
Qualities that are inspiring include community spirit, creativity, hard work ethic, innovation, and respect. Additionally, taking ownership of one’s mistakes while showing genuine care for improving oneself can be highly inspiring. A positive attitude, a passion for learning, and an open-minded approach to life can also be incredibly inspiring.
Why is inspirational leadership important?
Inspirational leadership is important for many reasons. It drives employees to take the initiative, push themselves, and strive for excellence. It encourages creativity, boosts morale, and creates a positive, energetic working environment for everyone involved. Leaders who can motivate and inspire their team members instill confidence, allowing employees to take on challenging projects with enthusiasm and ambition.