How to be inspirational when the pressure on leaders is so high
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, being inspirational is more important than ever. It can just feel like another action; the pressure to be inspiration can ironically make us less so. The key to being inspirational in a sustainable way is authenticity. But there is a lot of confusion about what authenticity really is – and what it’s not.
What we know from the research: Being authentic is not full transparency or sticking rigidly to your style. It involves being mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and values, and acting in alignment with them while utilising our unique strengths. Studies suggest that self-awareness and authenticity create the essential groundwork for both inspiring others and successfully bringing a shared vision to life.
My POV: Inspirational leadership is not about adopting a particular personality type. Instead, it’s about continuously working on our self-awareness, seeking feedback, and adapting our behaviour to have the positive impact we desire on those we lead.
As a Leader, what can you do?
- Give yourself permission to take 10 minutes out. Leaders who engage in self-reflection and think about their impact in the week are much more successful.
- Don’t wait for formal processes. Seek informal feedback from your team to gain insights about their perception of your perceived leadership style and impact. A great question is, “How can we work together more effectively?”
- Try out something different. Be open to adapting your leadership behaviours to better align with the impact you want to have and the needs of your team.
What difference will it make? Authentic leaders are more effective at inspiring and motivating their teams. By closing the gap between their intentions and their impact, they can create a more positive and engaging work environment that drives performance and innovation.
Never miss an insight. Receive our newest and unpublished leadership insights straight to your inbox every fortnight — sign up HERE
