Inspiring leaders have a variety of styles, whether they’re Steve Jobs or Anna Wintour. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what your company does – inspiring leaders share the same common threads. As Peter Handal, CEO of Dale Carnegie Training, puts it:
“Our research indicates that what really matters is that leaders are able to create enthusiasm, empower their people, instill confidence and be inspiring to the people around them.”
Of course, that’s much easier said than done, but here we have compiled some points to start off with, some of which may really help you out!
Train
Although we can talk about being a world-class leader ‘til the cows come home, sometimes we need to start with the basics and go from there! Training is a crucial part of any inspirational leader’s role, and they must ensure that their team is fully trained in all the tasks that are going to be necessary for the functioning of the company.
However, be sure to go about your training in the right way – there’s a tricky balance to strike. You see, you must be in-depth and explain processes extensively, even if they have become trivial and simple to you. Just be careful not to fall into the trap of becoming patronizing, as some people may mistake your thoroughness for arrogance.
Trust
Trust is essential for any well-functioning team – if you fall, you need to trust that your teammates will catch you. There’s a reason that team-building workshops are so popular in the business domain – people cannot work well if they do not trust one another. Naturally, as a leader, you are the beacon of trust which the rest of the team should aspire to, and you need to make sure that your employees trust you.
On the other hand, you must also be patient and trust your team members too, perhaps giving them increased responsibilities when you feel that they are ready for it. Showing your employees that you trust their skills and their best judgment is a way to appeal to them and make them like you, no matter your chosen leadership style.
Thanks
It could be an in-depth appraisal or a simple “thanks for today, guys” at the end of the workday, but saying “thank you” and being grateful for your employees’ hard work is one of the easiest ways to boost the morale of your workforce. Nothing kills employee morale quicker than a lack of appreciation for their efforts, especially if they feel that they are perhaps underpaid or undervalued.
As a result, make it a priority to periodically thank your team for their hard work, especially if they have just managed to accomplish a great feat between them. Not only will they appreciate your gratitude; they will see that you can sympathize with their everyday working struggles.
If you’re looking to inspire your team and lead them effectively, just remember to train, trust, and thank them. This simple ethos could be the thing which sees your team go from strength to strength!
-Todd
Todd Ringleman
Latest posts by Todd Ringleman (see all)
- Who Owns Your ITAM? - April 16, 2019
- A Reflection on 2018: Growing the Company with Core Values and Community - December 21, 2018
- Inspiring the Team: Train, Trust and Thanks - November 29, 2018