How Inspiring Leaders Turn Average into High Performing Teams?

An inspirational leaders would attract and engage his/her team through his/her words, actions, and beliefs. The ability to inspire is one of the single most important leadership skills that distinguishes great leaders from average ones. While there are plenty of admirable bosses, there are only a handful of leaders who are able to infuse energy, passion and connection into their actions and behaviors. Coupled with a clear vision, mission and commitment to integrity that guides them in everything they do to make the world a better place.

Data gathered by Harvard Business School from nearly 50,000 leaders learned “the ability to inspire creates the highest levels of employee engagement and commitment.” Further research conducted by Bain found “inspired employees are twice as productive as satisfied employees.” As a result, companies experience 21% greater profitability, a 41% reduction in absenteeism and 59% less turnover."

Here are 5 powerful characteristics that create truly inspirational leaders:

1. Value-driven

Inspirational leaders are value-driven leading from a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to create positive change. They have a clear understanding of what their value system is and don’t cave under pressure in situations where they’d need to sacrifice their values to achieve a result. 

This might not always make them popular and despite the hatred they receive, inspirational leaders recognize being ethical isn’t always easy, but that is the right path to walk on. Regardless of what the popular opinion is, inspirational leaders stand up for what’s right and advocate against injustice. They act with integrity because they know employees are always watching and every action matters. 

2. Development-prone

In order for leaders to continuously grow, they understand the importance of investing in their development. Liz Brown, founder of Sleeping Lucid once said: “Inspirational leaders have a strong sense of self and are aware of their limits.” 

For this reason, they acknowledge their weaknesses and are always seeking feedback to hone their skills. They know they’re not the smartest person in the room and they welcome that because it keeps them striving to improve. 

3. Authentic

Leaders are able to connect with their teams simply because they are open about sharing their struggles, stories and journey of what it took for them to get to where they are today. They recognize their differences; their agreements and disagreements are what makes them unique. 

Authenticity inspires authenticity. Who they are at work is who they are at home, in the community and out with their friends. They don’t wear different faces and treat everyone with respect and dignity. Ethan Taub said: “Being a leader means having the strength to be different and proud. Being who you are in a world where there is only one box takes courage, but people need that, especially in this day and age". 

4. Inclusive

Instead of leading with emotions or fear-based tactics to drive results, inspiring leaders focus on cultivating an environment that makes their employees feel comfortable coming and talking to them. Approachable and inclusive leaders listen more than they speak, value diversity, accept mistakes, reward originality and appreciate the unique differences of others. 

Varying levels of working styles and personalities can create conflict and a disconnected team. Inspirational leaders know how vital it is to ensure each individual is treated fairly and respectfully, feels a sense of belonging and is psychologically safe. Therefore, creating a strong and inclusive team culture.

5. Team player 

Collaboration is an essential ingredient to an engaged and thriving team. Inspirational leaders know the strengths and weaknesses of their team. This allows them to find ways to encourage unity through peer-to-peer mentorship, team projects or cross training. Unity is crucial to achieving success otherwise, teams become siloed. Remember: “Nothing is more destructive for a team than a leader who is unwilling to collaborate”.

Inspirational leaders are committed and motivated by the success of their team. Disruption and innovation are the result of fostering an environment where individuals can come together to share their experiences, knowledge, opinion and ideas. Embracing collaboration helps individuals learn from one another while pushing them outside their comfort zone to achieve great things. 

Takeaways 

One of the most important things we can do as leaders is to create clarity of purpose. Let’s show our people why we’re doing what we do. But what does it take to be that kind of inspirational leader? There’s the concept of the “born leader.” Is that true, or is inspirational leadership a skill set you can learn? Please drop your thoughts under the article.

Inspirational leaders are identified not only by what they do, but by what they don’t do. Being controlling, negative or fearful will never inspire a team, only kill their motivation. So, as much as leaders need to develop the positive traits of leadership, they need to be vigilant not to let characteristics that harm the team creep into their day to day. 

About the Author

Muhammad Sajwani is the Founder and Managing Director of Evolve HR which aims at transforming, enriching and evolving Human Capital of Pakistan, Evolve HR thrives in challenging assumptions that hinder organisational aspirations, by creating innovative solutions that yield maximum impact, scalability & benefit to a wider base of stakeholders. As a Business Coach and Organisational Consultant, Sajwani knows how to combine business insights with people insights to transform organisations and put them on the path to growth. 

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