Leading & Inspiring People
"Lead and Inspire People. Don’t Try to Manage and Manipulate People. Inventories Can Be Managed but People Must Be Led."
~ Ross Perot
Just as everyone is their own individual, there is no one type of leader. There are multiple traits that help you become a great leader. However, studies show that centeredness: being calm under pressure, listening and having empathy is the number one thing that inspires those around you. And leaders are made, not born – so no excuses about just not being a leader type person.
And leadership isn’t generic. Sure, you can attend a presentation on how to be a great leader, but you must adjust the main tenets to the specifics of your unique business model, culture and strategy. Use your strengths to build an effective leadership technique. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
The following are some proven ways that the best leaders lead:
Be open. Listen! Have empathy. People want to be heard and if they are, they will share their ideas with you.
Be honest. Be you. Remain present. Being real inspires trust.
Be involved. The way you behave affects how others behave. Sending down directives from on high, without any change from your office means virtually no change will happen down the line. Ask questions and know what’s going on.
And to reiterate from the Ross Perot quote above, don’t try to manipulate people – what really works is empowerment. When people feel empowered, they take ownership. When they take ownership, they excel.
Do you know anyone who likes being nitpicked or watched over their shoulder? Give them enough line for empowerment and autonomy and you’ll end up leading and inspiring them to do their best. Again, they way you behave (leading by example), will affect how they behave.
Do you have a great leadership story to share with us? We’d love to hear how you were able to bring a team together, inspire to great success, or your own tips and tricks which you found worked for you. info@evocexcellence.com