When was the last time you felt truly inspired in a work context?
For most people, it will have been quite a while.
And again in a work context, when was the last time you were able to inspire others?
A lot of people tell us that they don’t feel inspired at work, to accomplish more, to improve processes and systems, customer experiences, or to go to the extra mile.
When we then ask them “So, when was the last time you inspired anyone?” their faces are a picture!
You see, we think it’s everyone’s role to inspire the people around them. Yes, the leader’s role is critical and, let’s face it, most managers are terrible leaders and don’t inspire people to give their best. So there’s a major leadership skill gap that needs filling for the optimal performance and results to be achieved.
However, if no one is involved in inspiring others, there’s a much deeper-rooted problem in the organisation and that means it’s cultural and it could, and probably will, destroy you.
Creating a vibrant, positive, energised, unstoppable and inspiring culture is the fastest and most effective way of dramatically improving performance and results in any organisation large or small.
Of course, results don’t just materialise out of thin air. You need the proper ingredients and the right conditions to seed the type of growth you want. Here are the top items we think you’ll need to stir up the fires of inspiration at your business.
Vision
What exactly does “vision” mean? In its most simplified form, it’s that special something, that ‘je ne sais quoi’, that compels your business forward. It’s impactful, it’s why the world and community needs your business and why you get up in the morning, with gusto of course, to propel your business to make a difference.
Your vision shouldn’t be taken lightly – no flippant thoughts written on the back of a fag packet. It will encapsulate the passion, drive, the spirit of what you do. In a nutshell: very important stuff!
Connection
A vision is worthless without a connection. If your team can’t relate, they can’t connect or believe in the message. How do you build the connection? You do it through empathy and the third ingredient, communication. Listen to what your people want, understand why they want it and give it to them! It’s as simple as.
Communication
Great communication is equal parts talking AND listening, giving and receiving. It’s also about content (what you say) and style (how you say it). It’s should be clear, concise, engaging, it should address the why’s, dot the I’s and cross the T’s (it should be thorough).
Self-awareness
If you aren’t inspired by your own vision, how do you ever expect to inspire others? This is something you cannot, under any circumstances, fake. People can smell insincerity a mile away.
To add to that, being self-aware of your own moods, emotions and attitude can serve you well. When you’re able to realise when you are having an off-day, taking a time out for yourself is a key element in keeping things on track and, ultimately, inspiring any team you lead.
Give us a quick call on 01244 681068 to see how we can inspire you and your entire team, department and business from the bottom to the top!
