How to Inspire Anyone
It’s easy to inspire people. Show people what matters to them matters to you. Enjoy their enthusiasm.
Step into excitement, not on it.
How to Inspire Anyone
Inspiration is effortless because everyone is eligible. The founder of Chick-fil-A said, “How do you identify someone who needs encouragement? That person is breathing.” (There are several versions of this quote.)
Everyone is excited about their own passions. Be enthusiastic with those who are energized.
Self-centered living kills inspiration. Honor others by walking with their passions, not against them. Don’t interrupt. Don’t improve. Just care.
When you see energy in someone, pause and enjoy it. Encourage their energy to find expression.
People test your reaction to find courage for full expression. You fuel joy when you affirm it. Show enthusiasm quickly. Be easily impressed.
You’re born to connect. You have mirror neurons that fire when you act and when you see someone else do the same thing. Don’t resist nature.
Mirror joy. Fan sparks. Inspire people by living beyond yourself.
What can leaders do to inspire people?
Wow! What an awesome inspiration! “Inspire people by living beyond yourself.” How easy to say it, but how often we get pulled back in to “living within ourselves”(it’s all about me). Certainly, a great time to start “living beyond ourselves”. Thank you for your motivation to always make life better!
Thanks Shelly, I find many things in leadership are simple, but not easy. I see my tug toward self in nearly every conversation. Quieting that inclination requires constant vigilance for me. I wish you success.
I was watching a YouTube video featuring MIT professor Patrick Winston. He said he once asked his students what inspires them—they said it’s when someone truly believes in them. He then asked senior faculty members the same question, and they said they’re inspired when someone reframes a problem in a fresh, insightful way. Finally, he noted that many people are inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of others.
Thanks, Paul. My favorite is, people who truly believe in us inspire us. Just last week a coaching client was reflecting on our engagement. He remembered something I had forgotten. One moment that changed him was me saying “You have more in you. Don’t sell yourself short.”
People often comment that I have such a wide variety of interests. It comes from years of leadership and coaching with positive results. Connection to an individual not just their position makes coaching and leading so much more fun and easier.
I always remember Henry Mintzburg’s one word of advice, “Connect.” I can’t say I’m always interested in connecting. It’s an aspiration.
Deeply appreciating your reminder to “inspire others by living beyond yourself.” A good friend recently moved up to a humorous contest , competing against more seasoned speakers in a much larger venue. When she worried aloud that she was afraid of “choking,” she paid attention to the reminder to focus on the love she had for her grampa with all of his wit and sharing that with her audience. She came second out of 8 all far more experienced speakers. Our journeys to become selfless as we engage with others enjoying Their joy is ongoing for sure. Thank-you for invaluable reminders as always. Positively, Pauline