Inspirational Leadership

This week I’m very briefly exploring the issue “Do we have inspirational leaders that ignite others”? 

Inspirational leaders ought create an environment where people are respected and trusted, and the sign of a good leader is one who can adapt his or her leadership style to the personality of each individual, does this happen? Everyone within any organisation is different. While it may sometimes be tempting to incorporate a one-size fits all strategy, people should be treated as individuals who react differently to situations, hence the term situational leadership.

People require different degrees of motivation, feedback and inspiration and it is the role of the leader to identify their individual traits and adapt their own leadership style accordingly. Trust and respect are vital for the success of a leader; and if you don't develop these amongst the people you work with or share your vision with, all is lost.

An inspired and motivated workforce or congregation is essential for any organisation to move forward collectively. But just how do you motivate people? What kind of leadership do people respond to? How can you improve the quality of leadership in your organisation?

Food for thought!

Early in 2011 a survey of more than ten thousand people from various industries were asked, what they would most like to see in their leaders.  The most popular answer, mentioned by 55% of people, was ‘inspiration’.   Fantastic!!

However, don’t get too carried away as when the same people were asked if they would describe their current leader as ‘inspiring’, only 11% said yes. Something is very wrong!

My experience of leaders today is that many look like icebreaker ships i.e. hey charg ahead breaking the ice to clear a path, nevertheless they are unaware that they are leaving a wake of unconnected icebergs behind.  Perhaps leaders today ought to take a 360 degree feedback, assess where they are and make adjustments.

Finally perhaps the following will help as these are some of the most commonly observed characteristics of inspiring leaders identified from this survey:

• Strong strategic focus
• Lateral thinkers
• Vision
• Excellent communication skills
• Are principled
• Reflective
• Risk takers
• Accessible
• Value attitude

How to get the best out of people and become an inspirational leader?  First you ought to know YOU and the effect YOU have on others.  Secondly if you don’t or you unaware of the effect you have on others, I'm able to assist leaders or groups to get to know themselves and how to respond to situations by adopting and understanding different leadership styles and behaviours. Find out how by contacting me through our website, trust that this week has engaged you to think, reflect and make changes.

www.bewhoyoucanbeinchrist.com