1. Lead by Example
Inspiring leaders are invariably in a positive mood with lots of energy. They galvanise others into action through their energy. Typically they keep themselves fit and energised by doing exercise (riding or walking to work, regular gym). They look after themselves so they are in the best state to lead by example. Leaders need to keep mentally and physically healthy. That might mean getting a coach for yourself, or even having someone external to the business who helps you stay on track!
2. Project Your Passion
When you see a leader fully committed it makes others commit. Often being courageous, taking risks, taking time to talk to all the staff on a regular basis - these are the things that show passion. These people constantly seek opportunities to challenge themselves and others around them. You can see passion in the sense of fun they have, in their body language, in the way they take time to thank people. It's an ability to project excitement out to people they may not even know. Passion can be expressed in a range of ways - not just the formal large group speeches. It may be in the letters and emails, the phone calls, even the relationships and meetings. When people see and feel it they become passionate.
3. Drive Your Decisions
Good leaders are clear about the decisions, and they make decisions where others often hang back, paralysed by indecision. They know the key outcomes and what is best for their business, their staff and the future... and they make those decisions with strength and clarity. They may not always be popular decisions, but over time they are usually seen to have been the best decision/s at the time. It's having the courage to assess a risk and decide with what research is available that this is the best course of action. And then to have that ability to hold ground when others might attack a decision. Or to be able to know when a decision may have been the wrong one, and to make the necessary changes quickly and effectively. It's not always an individual decision by the leader. They know when and how to involve others in decisions, and can facilitate a brainstorming and then do the follow through to take. Mostly it's about having the courage to make it happen and manage any fallout.
4. Empower your champions
Great leaders enjoy giving people new challenges... encouraging people to rise to new levels. They are positive and inclusive. It's a pleasure seeing leaders who nurture their staff and give them the opportunities to grow. They see the potential in others often well before those people know it themselves. They believe in them and describe how they might develop in the future. They tell them what they believe they can achieve and then enjoy seeing them develop and build new skills. They find those enthusiastic staff, and they know not only how to nurture them but how to keep them challenged and motivated.
5. Reach your goals
Inspirational leaders set goals and provide a clear strategy that everyone can understand and follow. They are not afraid to ask for help or seek advice. They involve others and provide support and resources. They clear roadblocks and solve problems... and have enormous energy to stick it out and achieve their goals. And they're not afraid to have people hold them accountable. They are results driven, but they will care about their people along the way... so its not just results at the expense of others.
6. Give time and respect to your people
It's great to see leaders, who despite the pressures of work, plan for and make the time to spend it getting to know their people. They get involved in their teams and what's going on. They make sure that things are working properly and communication is going right. It's the simplest walk in every morning and saying a special "hello" to everyone. They know who's who and what's happening and what's going on around the business. Some even seem to create a "family" feeling. They are open and approachable - not just with lip service to the phrase "open door" policy. They make people feel important and give them credit for ideas and suggestions. They show respect consistently.
So test yourself. Do you:
1. Lead by example?
2. Project your passion?
3. Drive your decisions?
4. Reach your goals?
5. Empower your champions?
6. Give time and respect to your people?
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