Do you remember the best boss you ever had?
No doubt they got results and were good communicators. But the best bosses are those we remember for emotional reasons – how they made us feel about our jobs, the company and ourselves. In other words, they were inspirational.
How do we become the type of boss who inspires others and make them feel good about themselves? Here are some ideas:
Firstly, Be a good example yourself. Become the type of person people would follow, regardless of your position within the company.
Then, Really take an interest in others. I don’t mean just saying hello and how are you. Make real contact with them, establish eye contact when you talk with them and become interested in who they are as people. You’re busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with others.
Next, Think about the type of management your people need to thrive and improve. Being autocratic and demanding may be OK when there’s a crisis, but what about when they need encouragement, motivation, up-building and support? Be flexible and understanding of their moods and emotional needs.
What about this: Be Inspired Yourself. Read literature, listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s of people who inspire you. If you haven’t got anyone in that category, GET SOME NOW! They will offer you ideas, motivation and connection that you can pass onto other people.
Next, Improve your Communication Skills. Make this year the one where you develop your listening skills, become a better questioner and build rapport with more people. Becoming a person of inspiration revolves around how you do things rather than what you do.
Then, Challenge people to improve. People will be driven and motivated when they see the opportunity for growth. Show people that that they have more inside them than they know. Tap into the potential that they have and watch their performance improve.
Finally, Keep improving yourself. All great leaders are readers, and if you gain knowledge, you can pass it onto your team. Relate stories you have read, instigate ideas that others have employed, learn how other people overcame adversity and went on to inspire others with their tenacity and courage.
By being inspirational, you achieve more through your team efforts and offer others the chance to improve their abilities and build their potential. Create reasons for others to follow you, and the inspiration will naturally occur.
Courtesy MTD Tips
