Inspiration

True leaders know the definition of inspiring others.  Leadership has been described as “a process of influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task."  Since none of us works in a vacuum, it takes a team of others to reach goals and objectives.  That being said, how do we inspire others to excel and exceed as leaders?  Each of us are individuals, so each of us may be motivated for different reasons and in different ways.  However, there are basic principles great leaders look at to create the inspiration related to a motivational environment.

1.  Develop an understanding of the jobs others do.  Leaders know their people and the jobs they are entrusted with.  Having a leader-team member interaction and communication can be extremely helpful.  Leaders often depend on mid-level associates to develop this level of understanding and communication, and since we are human interpretation of the job and associated challenges can be subjective.  Getting out in the trenches so to speak can provide a better understanding of the tasks at hand which can lead to solutions when challenge arise.

2.  Sharing the goals and target so everyone can reach it.  I have always had a saying, "You can't hit a target if you can't see it."  This is especially true with goals and objectives for teams, and sharing those goals and objectives helps them understand what they need to do and as we will discuss in the next principle the why.  This communication is critical, and more important if the goals are specific.   A goal may be to provide great customer service.  Problem is everyone's definition of great service may be different, just as the customers expectations may be different from one guest to the next.  To state a goal of having no less than a nine rating on customer responses out of a potential ten score and then helping the team understand what it takes to get a ten will produce greater results.

3.  Share the why as you show them the way!  Leadership is about steering the team in the right direction and getting others to follow.  Anytime leadership provides a course just like in the operation of a ship, directives have to be given and commands made.  Effective leaders will share with a team why a directive is given, and what the anticipated result is.  This assists not only those in direct line positions to meet expectations, but also helps mid-level individuals make small course corrections and support open communication with the team.  An example might be with a manager asking them to provide a market report and update on competition out of a normal cycle.  The manager wonders why this is being asked, and may not understand the necessity of the task.  If communication is made the report is being requested because ownership is looking to expand within a market and this will assist with necessary data in making an accurate and comprehensive look at the options, the manager now understands the why and with the addition input of "accurate and comprehensive" in the wording has a better chance of providing what is expected.

4.  Don't be afraid to get your feet wet!  I remember a case when this was not only figuratively but also literately the case.  In 2008 Tropical Storm Fay dropped a record rainfall (over 18 inches) over several days on the East coast of Florida.  Entire areas of Melbourne, Florida were under water and storm drains backed up unable to handle the amount of water.  One of my communities I managed had 1/3 of the apartments sub-grade, which means half above ground and half below ground level.  There was no storm drainage on the entire 180 apartment site, and the two retention ponds were now spilling over into the grounds and parking lots.  During the storm I traveled to Melbourne and in communication with the team found out I would not be able to drive to the office as the parking lot was under about a foot of water.  After making a stop at Walmart in Orlando and buying wader boots for myself and the staff, I made it to the site after having to divert my drive with several roads impassable.  I showed up in waders (handing out extra pairs to the site maintenance team), and then walked the property communicating with the residents and making plans for disaster recovery.  Phone in hand I am calling restoration and pump companies, with water almost as deep in some places as my boots.  A great leader sometimes has to go to the front lines to see how the battle is progressing.

Leadership is more than the four points above, and inspiration comes in may ways and may be different in various positions and with various teams.  Finding those things that motivate and inspire are part of effective leadership, and finding new ways to inspire and motivate means not being complacent.  Life changes, business changes, our customers change, and technology changes.  Why should we not be believe finding inspiration with our teams will not change as well is foolish.  Inspire yourself to inspire others.  They will take you farther in your career than you can go by yourself.   Now go lead.