Every day, Team Members face a critical choice: expend maximum effort – discretionary effort – or merely do enough not to get terminated. Discretionary effort, the voluntary contribution of extra time, energy, and enthusiasm beyond basic job duties, distinguishes mediocre teams from high-performing teams.
Inspirational leadership is the catalyst for unlocking discretionary effort. It ignites a sense of enthusiasm, purpose, and commitment, motivating Team Members and teams to overcome challenges and exceed expectations.
Becoming an Inspirational Leader requires:
- Being a Visionary Leadership: Possess a clear and compelling vision for the team.
- Setting Clear Goals and Challenges: Provide clear direction and purpose for the team.
- Leading by Example: Demonstrate the qualities and behaviors you expect from your team.
- Being Ethical and Trustworthy: Build trust by consistently acting with integrity – do what you are supposed to do and do what you say you will do.
- Engaging in Effective Communication: Communicate clearly, concisely and timely.
- Having a Growth Mindset: Embrace continuous learning and development for yourself and your team.
- Giving Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements and individual Team Member contributions.
- Creating a Positive Environment: Cultivate a culture of trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Building an Inspirational Leadership Culture, where every Team Member can be an inspiration requires:
- Hiring the Right People: Seek individuals who align with the team's values and the organization's mission.
- Removing The Working Dead: Team Members who create a toxic work environment
- Building a Strong Team: Create a supportive and collaborative team environment where individuals feel valued.
- Investing in Growth & Development: Provide opportunities for coaching, mentorship, training, and skill set development.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Encourage learning from failures and celebrating successes.
- Showing You Care: Demonstrate empathy and compassion for the well-being of Team Members.
Inspirational leadership is about creating an environment where Team Members are motivated, engaged, and empowered to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results. By embodying these key principles and creating a culture of inspiration, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive organizational success.
I could be wrong…but I’m not.
President, MBM Elevate | CEO Group Chair, Vistage Worldwide | Executive Coach | Accelerating Organizational Impact
3w"Removing The Working Dead: Team Members who create a toxic work environment" - leaders tend to be too slow on this one - yet it can have immediate positive impact on the team!
Generosity Business Coach: Helping Business Leaders Experience More Joy with More Profit | Employee Talent Acquisition / Retention | Keap Certified Partner | Best Selling Author | Keynote Speaker | Video Podcast Host
3wI love the “Discretionery Effort” term. It’s relational to “discretionary spending”. Discretionary spending is like Generosity —it’s a choice. Just as we decide how to use our extra dollars, we choose where to invest our extra effort, time, or resources. Discretionary effort and generosity both come down to intention: the willingness to give beyond what’s required because we see the value in the impact it creates. Like spending wisely, generosity is about choosing to make a difference. You in action. It’s giving more than you’re asked to give—not because you have to, but because you want to. Be a leader…Go make that difference today.
Empowering Leadership & Growth | Executive Coach | Vistage Chair | Peer Group Facilitator
3wIt's hard (especially when talent is tight) but as you point out, Paul Glover, part of being a leader is "Removing The Working Dead: Team Members who create a toxic work environment."