Inspiring others

When someone says “inspirational leader” what picture forms immediately in your mind?  For many, the picture may be of someone able to give rousing platform addresses, someone with natural confidence and charisma, with a vast social media following, perhaps a proliferation of books, videos and podcasts, or maybe it is someone who’s been a world changer in their field. When faced with this mental image, many of us can feel seriously underqualified.
 
Last week we were with a group sharing stories of inspiration with each other. There were 9 very different stories but what was common was that not one of them was about big crowds, fame or cleverness with words. They were stories of grandparents who had shown incredible bravery or love, someone’s child who had pushed through significant personal challenges, stories of the kindness of strangers and of those who had been hurt or wounded in their attempts to do good.  When we moved on to think about a leader who had inspired them, similar traits emerged: kindness, vulnerability, bravery, trust, loyalty, integrity, authenticity.
 
Of course, there is a place for inspiring others with the words we speak and the vision we communicate and that is an important aspect of leadership, but true inspiration is deeper. It’s about being someone others choose to follow because of the character traits they see in us.  It’s not about show and stage presence but about showing up and being present for those we lead.
 

Questions to reflect on:

 1. What traits do you have which give people reason to follow you? (If you don’t know, why not ask a few trusted people)

2. How can you make more of those in your leadership?