Inspirational Leadership Begins With Your Example

Effective leadership means articulating and stimulating enthusiasm for a clear and compelling vision for the future. 

Great leaders have the ability to inspire, guide, bring people together and create a sense of belonging. This does not depend on titles or status. Regardless of position, these people step forward to lead as needed. They challenge the status quo and set an example (model the way), inspiring a shared vision and empowering others to act. They have the ability to articulate a sense of common purpose and an emotional bond or spirit that makes people feel they are part of something larger than themselves. 

People who lack these skills usually work independently, fail to build coalitions and even work against the team, being often too opinionated to work with other people or ignoring others as a precious source of support. In fact, most of the time if not always, they fail to see the value and importance of getting others on board to accomplish a goal or task. They do not have a clear vision for the future and cannot arouse a passion in others for a common goal or direction.

Remember: leadership begins within you. 

Here below find some development tips to become a more inspirational leader:

• Find your personal mission.
• Read “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek and watch Simon’s Ted talk “How great leaders inspire action” on You Tube
• Read "The leader who had no title" by Robin Sharma
• Know what you admire in a leader and develop your own personal definition of inspirational leadership
• Develop your personal mission and a clear and compelling vision for the future in a way that inspires
• Lead from the future: become the Ambassador of your vision, from the future.
• Challenge the status quo. Be creative. Provide direction, create tension (it is urgent!)
• Openly discuss high level issues with other people.
• Arouse enthusiasm for a clear and elevating picture of a better future.
• Engage. Encourage. Enroll others. Capture hearts. Connect with people in a meaningful way.
• Remember: vision is an empty dream until widely shared and accepted.
• Communicate regularly and with enthusiasm and passion.
• Act in a consistent way with your vision.
• Maintain your credibility and integrity at all times.

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." — Albert Schweitzer

“Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) is the ability to be aware of your own emotions, and those of others, in the moment, and to use that information to manage ourselves and our relationships.” ―The Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence