Leadership defines what the future should look like, aligns people with that vision, and inspires them to make it happen despite the obstacles.
~ John Kotter
Inspiration is essential during times of change. Rather than DRIVE change, we believe that leaders should INSPIRE change!
Tips on how to inspire:
- Create Positive Confidence – confidence comes when you can fully trust or believe in someone. As a leader this means closing the “Know | Do Gap” which comes from not applying what you know you should do. Keep your word, be on time, finish what you start and mind your manners (say please, thank you and I’m sorry when appropriate.)
- Encourage Your People – this means that you fill them with courage or strength of purpose. You must be clear about purpose (what are you doing and why) as well as take time to appreciate the people who make an impact. Douglas Conant, the former CEO of Campbell’s Soup Company had 20,000 employees. During the course of his ten year career at Campbell’s he hand wrote over 30,000 notes to them. He took the time to encourage, you can too.
- Be Hopeful – leaders must be realistic about the present, observant of the obstacles, but see a future bigger than the obstacles that must be overcome. This attitude of realistic optimism is essential to change because there are times that things seem impossible. How do you represent hope and keep it alive for your team?
Leadership requires that leaders inspire change. We believe that creating positive confidence, encouraging your people and being hopeful will inspire your people to keep going and move forward through change.