How to Be an Inspiring Leader
Inspirational leadership is an important leadership style that can make a lasting impact. Good leaders come in several forms; however, inspirational leaders have a unique ability to foster positive change in both individual team members and the whole organization. Read on to learn more about inspirational leadership.
What Is Inspirational Leadership?
Inspirational leadership directs, motivates, encourages, and guides a group of people toward individual and common goals. Those who practice inspirational leadership assist their colleagues, employees, and collaborators in contributing to the initiatives of the whole organization.
Effective inspirational leaders offer opportunities for others to grow personally and professionally and make progress toward their individual aspirations. In a business environment, an inspirational leader might help other team members improve their skills and further develop their own careers.
Why Is Inspirational Leadership Important?
Inspirational leadership encourages employees to flourish both individually and collectively. According to experts, inspired employees are more productive and committed to their organization. Additionally, teams with a leader who inspires them through positive reinforcement and offers clear direction are more likely to exceed their goals.
Effective leaders who practice inspirational leadership encourage others to remain committed to their individual tasks while also leading their team by setting a good example. Good leaders encourage their direct reports with gratitude, making it more likely their direct reports will repeat successful behaviors.
5 Qualities of Inspirational Leaders
Qualities of inspirational leaders include enthusiasm, ambition, and grit. Here are several more qualities a good leader might have:
1. Communication: A successful leader holds a clear vision for the team and can communicate it by breaking down a strategy or plan effectively. Inspirational leaders will create project management strategies to support employees’ efforts and provide them with direction to achieve their individual and collective goals.
2. Inclusiveness: The inspirational leadership style is equally committed to their own ambitions as they are to the success of the individuals who report to them and that of others in the company. This inclusivity increases the effectiveness of the whole organization since it fosters support and the sharing of collective knowledge.
3. Positivity: Inspirational leaders frequently encourage team members for their contributions, and this increases employee engagement. Team members look to their leaders to foster momentum after big wins, as well as to provide a plan for improvement or problem-solving during challenges. Good leaders’ own sense of purpose often leads to positive changes around them.
4. Self-awareness: Leaders must be self-aware—that is, they should be able to admit to their own personal strengths and shortcomings. Inspirational leaders stay curious and constantly seek opportunities to learn, grow, and improve themselves through their own personal and professional development to set a good example for their colleagues.
5. Vision: Strong leaders are often visionaries who have a clear handle on the big picture when it comes to the challenges they or the larger organization are working against. Inspiration leaders are capable of coming up with overarching goals and know how to empower others with their passion for creative problem-solving.
How to Demonstrate Inspirational Leadership
Good leaders model the attitude, work ethic, and skills they wish to see in their team members. If you want to be an inspirational leader, put these four tips into practice:
Be collaborative. Good leaders do not work in silos. If your project could benefit from it, collaborate with other teams—for example, human resources or IT—to collect different perspectives and potential solutions with regard to a specific challenge. Take the time to listen attentively and understand your team members’ opinions. This builds trust and creates a supportive environment.
Communicate effectively. Practice communicating your vision with clarity to the larger group since a compelling vision is useless if you cannot describe it clearly to your team. When you communicate effectively, your direct reports can offer helpful feedback, which will better equip you to succeed.
Establish a clear vision. Good leaders can zoom out to look at challenges holistically rather than become stalled out on minor details. Ensure you’ve outlined for your team clear expectations and the series of steps for achieving the broader goal.
Set a good example. Inspirational leadership requires clarity on core values and an ability to model them to their team. Develop your confidence and learn to take responsibility for your shortcomings with humility when necessary.