5 Surprising Ways to Inspire Others
You make a difference by helping others make a difference.
Here’s how:
Stop fixing. If your passion for excellence and success drives you to constantly fix people, stop fixing. Do you think people are inspired by being fixed? I don’t think so.
Express unrequested good. Rather than fixing all the time, inspire others by looking them in the eye and quietly saying something good about them.
When was the last time you said a good word? No fanfare, no expectations, no manipulation, just said it. For an added kick, leave them slack-jawed by walking away when you’re done. Tell them you believe in them and then stop talking. Shhh! Silence drives the point home.
Support success – don’t punish it. Some years back I wrote a grant. Sadly, the result was longer hours and work on weekends. At the same time, my regular responsibilities suffered. In that situation, the more I did the more I had to do and the less I did well. For someone with a passion to succeed, it was a frustrating downward spiral. I finally went to my boss and had grant writing removed from my responsibilities. Imagine the uninspired awkwardness of shifting from a “can do” to a “won’t do” orientation.
Be predictable. Your people are hamstrung when your unpredictable behaviors create egg-shell environments. The only thing unpredictability creates is fear and self-protection, a waste of emotional energy.
Reject conformity. In my opinion, “professional conformity” makes hypocrites of most. It requires you to replace the real you with a fake “professional” you. In addition, demanding that everyone dress and act “professionally” is a ploy that creates conformity, establishes control, and drains inspiration. People aren’t made with cookie cutters. Conformity doesn’t inspire.
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How can leaders inspire others to make a difference?
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If you liked this article, I think you’ll enjoy this popular post: “Finding the Sweet Spot.”
Good morning Dan and excellent post to start the day. You have nailed all of the key ways to inspire others. I am particularly fond of “express unrequested good.” some other ways that I have seen have some wonderful effects is performing some of these behaviors outside the workplace I.e. Running into someone around town and telling them how proud you are of their work and how happy you are they are part of the organization. Also modeling behaviors i.e. doing something very similar if not very much the same way the staff member would have done it. What greater way to honor someone than by emulating their behavior. One of the most fundamental ways to inspire others is to have them see you as “one of them.” to have them see you take accountability when failure turns into a growth moment. People are keenly watching not only when all is well but critically so when things go awry. Our demeanor and attitude at those times will either betray who we really are or show the strength of our convictions and demonstrate our lack of “conformity” and the need to grow and learn with everything one does good and bad. It was a really balmy winter day and the rain was bashing the pavement. I heard a lot of commotion and stood by my window and saw all these folks standing in front of their windows clapping loudly and giving the thumbs up when I realized what had happened. Our CEO was coming back from the far end of the parking lot where he had just waked an associate with his large umbrella and got her safely and dry to her car. We found out later that this was someone new to the organization and she did not know who was being the kind Samaritan. We were all inspired that day and I am sure a lot of other umbrellas will be opening up in the future. Having a culture of generosity and humaneness will glue an organization together with bonds so strong a hail storm could not weaken it. Inspiration is always just around the corner and people surprise me and teach me every day to be humble and cherish all that is good and look even closer when things are not so good for down deep there is a lesson to be learned. Have a great day Dan and a very happy New Year. Felicidades, Al
Al,
I’m inspired by your comment. My post was more a rant…your comment lifts me. Thanks for your affirmations and additions. And thanks for a great story.
It’s great to sit at the feet of a master.
Happy New Year,
Dan
Al is a featured contributor on Leadership Freak. Read his bio at http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/al-diaz
Dan I appreciate your thoughts. If your post was nothing than just “more of a rant” then let me say I want to be the first to read your upcoming “Rants by Dan Rockwell!” 🙂 Also the time on my “feet” is a fraction of the moments I spend looking up to learn and sideways to help. There is a lot more traction I have found out over time pulling horizontally so let’s meet “eye to eye.” 🙂 Al
🙂
What an amazing moment you were able to witness Al!
While I am sure it was not the intent, the amount of good will, positive regard, energized engagement that one act generated within your organization is ‘money in the bank’ that can be drawn on in difficult times. I am just imagining the ripple effect for this version of pay it forward. That is one of those ‘tribal’ stories that will be passed along for years to come…and rightfully so.
Oh, and way to turn Dan’s frown upside down!
Hi Doc. Thanks for your input. You are absolutely correct characterizing the event as “one of those tribal stories that will be passed along for years to come.” Our organization has clearly undergone a true “transformation” in the last 5 years and the “culture” is slowly but surely taking hold. When the front lines start getting irritated and befuddled by those that are unsure of their destination, it is time to raise the flag and illustrate who we are and what we stand for. The “bus will be moving forward,” and soon I envision there being standing room only! 🙂 A very Happy New Year Doc to you and yours, regards, Al
Dan, really enjoyed this one. I started out my role as a leader more to the conformist side. I had to learn the hard way that you get more with sugar then vinegar. I used to be unpredictable and my people suffered. Thank God that he allowed me to mature and grow into the leader that I am today. I don’t have all the answers but I am a much better MENTOR leader now. It has really opened my eyes to the benefits of seeing each of my people as individuals, with individual needs. Thank you for this great reminder of how to lead.
Gregory,
Thanks for the good word and sharing your personal story.
I’m with you. I think some leaders start off on the vinegar side of leadership. Your experience reflects mine. There is great value to understanding people as individuals.
Happy New Year and success with your blog,
Dan
Expressing unrequested good is definitely something too often overlooked, as leaders often take things for granted, especially in difficult economic times. Nothing’s granted, and an unmotivated employee will just make the situation even more complicated. Great tips Dan.
Hi Gabriele,
Thanks for the good word and for adding to the conversation.
Happy New Year,
Dan
How can leaders inspire others to make a difference?
What an interesting question to ponder, with so many different angles. I imagine that all of us can think of people who helped us want to work harder, think more creatively, or exceed minimum requirements.
One example that came to mind when I read your post was that of Meghan Redenbach, a teenager who recently died of cancer. Jason Mollica linked to her story from his post: http://oneguysjourney.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/just-keep-livin/.
Meghan’s story is chronicled here: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/high-schools/article292878.ece
When I started thinking of responses to your post, Dan, I recalled Meghan’s coach referring to her “innate ability to lead.” Her coach discussed the times when she would come to the court for a game, even if she was physically unable to play:
“The atmosphere would completely change when she would step on the court. It was unlike anything else. The whole crowd would cheer, and she wouldn’t even have to do anything.”
The very best leaders have, in my opinion, learned their craft and maintained a willingness to “get their hands dirty” (as Meghan did with a stellar volleyball career prior to her illness) but also impact the atmosphere around them through their “spirit to lead” – it’s not always about the plays that are called but the way the team coalesces to work together toward the goal. An inspirational leader can make all the difference.
Paula,
thanks for leaving another one of your great stories that illustrate useful truths and motive us to reach higher.
Your quote, “get their hands dirty” is a keeper. Leaders that stand aloof don’t inspire they demotivate others.
Thanks for your generous support.
Happy New Year,
Dan
Paula is a featured contributor on Leadership Freak. You can read her bio at http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/paula-kiger
Great post Dan. The thought about being predictable is quite large for good leaders. I like to say that consistency always creates intimacy. If an employee knows you are consistent in your temperance and leadership style they are willing to be vulnerable and transparent, even in they’re failures. Great points from you. Your bring it ever day sir!
Tom,
Thanks for jumping in. I love your quote, “consistency always creates intimacy.” I see that safety welcomes people into your circle and gives them permission to be vulnerable.
Thanks for the good word.
Happy New Year,
Dan
Hey Dan
nice post – as usual
Can readily agree with all those things – though I un-inspire on a too often basis by doing the opposite (ask my wife!).
Other suprising ways are – to write a blog, to let others laugh ‘at’ you (and take the joke), to give up something that others know is important to you, …
anyway happy new year to you, your family and your family of readers and followers
Richard Croad
Hey Richard,
Great seeing you! I know life has radically changed for you and your family. I wish you continued success!
Thanks for adding the idea that we can inspire others by laughing at ourselves.
Happy New Year to you my friend,
Dan
Dear Dan,
I think leaders can inspire others by connecting. Conneting to their trueself, connecting to thier values, connecting to their purpose in life. Disconnection creates difference, dissatisfaction, distraction and dilemma. Disconnection motivates negatively, we often move in negative direction. Disconnection arises because of we believe others than believing ourselves. When we try to match perception of others, expectation of others, we often comprise with your values and try to bring in values what others want. And that is the point, disconnection starts. I think the best way to connect to your purspose and source is to be real and believe what you are. Do not try to be somebody else. Leaders should expose people to a situation where they can see themselves in others position and also take decision what they really want. So, the person who is not inspired himself, can not inspire others. I remember the line of Steven Covey ” First understand to be understood”. This applies to each one of us. We can not give what we do not have. So, a person or leader try to bring in or inculcate in the values in yourselves what you want to disseminate to others.
I also believe that leader should believe in others, provide opportunity to excel, keep connecting people to their purpose are the best inspiration measures. People are creative, innovative and inspired when they have freedom to execute and are real ones. When people are connected to their purpose, they arouse interest and this interest turns into passion after sometimes. When you are passionate towards your puspose, you are inspired and then you can inspire others by your act, behaviour, attitude and action.
Dear Ajay,
Very timely comment. My wife and I were just chatting about how joyful and freeing it is to be real rather than be what everyone thinks you should be.
I’ve been inspired by leaders who had the integrity and authenticity to just be themselves. On the other hand, I’m growing more skeptical about those who put on a public face.
At this stage in life, I don’t want to waste energy being something I’m not.
I think one way we can tell we are on the path to freedom is feeling free from the desire to defend ourselves.
Another danger I’ve seen is some people are themselves to the point that they are closed to others.
As you can see your comment got me thinking. Thanks
Happy New Year,
Dan
Ajay is a featured contributor on Leadership Freak. Read his bio at: http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/ajay-gupta
Spot on Ajay, spot on…it is all about the connections.
Dan,
A great article to help prepare for the New Year.
The “glass is half-full, not half-empty” approach rallies people to their greater good.
“Support Success” is my favorite of a totally great list. Too much “dare to fail to succeed” misdirection going around. Thanks for countering it!
Randy,
Thanks for your comment and encouragement.
I respect that it takes time to jump in to encourage and share insights.
Happy New Year,
Dan
Being consistent/predictable while eschewing conformity may seem in conflict initially. Consistency has depth, conformity, not so much. For many years I had a bumper sticker that said ‘why be’ and upsidedown, ‘normal?’ Kept me seeing things in a different light.
Stop fixing…that is the ‘how’, I don’t learn if you tell me ‘how’, just tell me ‘what’. And, if I have the tools (unlike someone who may not have had the grant writing bag o’ tricks) then let me struggle through and face the challenges.
Like others who have posted, I too, click with ‘express unrequested good’. Having received them, I enjoy dropping off very specific ‘thank you’ notes to folks when they are not present in their office or work area or through the campus mail (with chocolate of course). Or, in person, letting someone know that I really like an approach they shared with me, that I tried it out in an interaction because it was exactly what was needed and the share that the result was amazing.
Yet another variation on legacy, thanks Dan!
Hi Doc,
I want to work for you…chocolate is the 5th food group.
Your observation re: be consistent as potentially conflicting with don’t conform is important. I’m glad you bring it to the discussion. I’m thinking that emotional predictability is most essential. In addition, perhaps predictability re: everyone knows that you ask a sincere question before giving an answer helps create a safe environment.
Happy New Year,
Dan
Doc is a featured contributor on Leadership Freak. Read his bio at http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/doc
Hi Dan,
Such wisdom! “Stop fixing”. so simple, but so hard for those of us who believe we have all the answers!
I keep a wonderful whimsical picture in front of my desk
“Never try to teach a pig to sing. It frustrates you and it irritates the pig”
As Leaders, Mentors, Parents, Spouses, et al, this “wisdom” definitely needs to be mastered. Good news – it works! and makes all involved more successful.
Barb,
Thanks for your comment. Love the pig quote!
Appreciate the good word!
Happy New Year,
Dan
Dan,
I am a new subscriber to your blog, and I will make this comment short and sweet:
You inspire me!
Andrea
Andrea,
Very inspiring. I love it when people subscribe!
Cheers,
Dan
Dan,
I love the “stop fixing” piece. Fixing is counterproductive to encouragement and emotional engagement.
Happy new year to you.
Susan (a new subscriber)
Hi Susan,
Welcome to the community. Thank you for subscribing. I appreciate it.
Happy New Year,
Dan
i ve been a representative in my department. i want to move from just a representative to an inspirational leader.
Best wishes in your desire to inspire others.