Paul Glover‘s weekly newsletter presents lessons for ‘No B.S.’ Leadership. Subscribe Now, so you don’t miss an issue.
Every day, Team Members face a critical choice: expend maximum effort – discretionary effort – or merely do enough not to get terminated. Discretionary effort, the voluntary contribution of extra time, energy, and enthusiasm beyond basic job duties, distinguishes mediocre teams from high-performing teams.
Inspirational leadership is the catalyst for unlocking discretionary effort. It ignites a sense of enthusiasm, purpose, and commitment, motivating Team Members and teams to overcome challenges and exceed expectations.
Becoming an Inspirational Leader requires:
- Being a Visionary Leadership: Possess a clear and compelling vision for the team.
- Setting Clear Goals and Challenges: Provide clear direction and purpose for the team.
- Leading by Example: Demonstrate the qualities and behaviors you expect from your team.
- Being Ethical and Trustworthy: Build trust by consistently acting with integrity – do what you are supposed to do and do what you say you will do.
- Engaging in Effective Communication: Communicate clearly, concisely and timely.
- Having a Growth Mindset: Embrace continuous learning and development for yourself and your team.
- Giving Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements and individual Team Member contributions.
- Creating a Positive Environment: Cultivate a culture of trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Building an Inspirational Leadership Culture, where every Team Member can be an inspiration requires:
- Hiring the Right People: Seek individuals who align with the team’s values and the organization’s mission.
- Removing The Working Dead: Team Members who create a toxic work environment
- Building a Strong Team: Create a supportive and collaborative team environment where individuals feel valued.
- Investing in Growth & Development: Provide opportunities for coaching, mentorship, training, and skill set development.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Encourage learning from failures and celebrating successes.
- Showing You Care: Demonstrate empathy and compassion for the well-being of Team Members.
Inspirational leadership is about creating an environment where Team Members are motivated, engaged, and empowered to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results. By embodying these key principles and creating a culture of inspiration, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive organizational success.
I could be wrong…but I’m not.
