Inspiring Others: Start with Yourself

I’m going to be writing and speaking about inspiring others over the next little while. I have an abiding interest in what causes people to be inspired by and follow leaders. I am most impressed when that is based on a solid value system, of course. We are surrounded by “leaders” who seem to grab the attention of large numbers of people and influence them in all sorts of destructive ways – especially politicians. While their tactics might interesting and worth studying, I find them distasteful because they are manipulative and appeal to baser human characteristics.

I am really interested in helping leaders with positive value systems to be inspiring. I believe that is something worth understanding and learning.

I was watching “Chasing the Sun” this weekend – the documentary about the Springbok rugby team’s journey from being a pretty pathetic team in 2016 to becoming World Cup Champions in 2019. I was struck by how many times the coach, Rassie Erasmus, said in his own inimitable way that the players must forget about inspiring the nation – just do your flippin’ job. You can’t worry about inspiring others until you are winning matches!

The very same is true in the world of work. You may have a job title that positions you as a leader, but you can’t worry about inspiring others until you yourself are doing a great job. There are some keys to doing a great job, though, so perhaps there is something here that will give you a nudge.

1. Show some passion. No matter your circumstances or the nature of your job, find something about it that you love – something that gets you inspired and excited. Every job has its drudgery and some jobs might even be mostly drudgery – but there must be something that puts a smile on your face. Perhaps it is the opportunity to make a difference in some way; perhaps it is working with some pretty special people; or it is the opportunity to solve new problems every day. Not only do you need to find something you love about your job – you also need to SHOW it! Tell your face! Be cheerful and upbeat! Smile a lot and make others smile! Show some enthusiasm.
2. Pursue goals that matter. Set goals that mean something to you – their achievement must matter to you. You probably have some fairly predictable KPIs that may have been set for you. Their achievement may be exciting to you in and of themselves – but sometimes they are pretty standard in terms of targets and deliverables. So set for yourself some goals that really excite you – something that will make a difference to the way you do business; something that will change the lives of your colleagues or customers; something that contributes to something greater than yourself. These are the goals that get your pulse racing – where their achievement really matters. Let people know what your goals are – don’t keep them a secret. By making your goals known to others you will:
- Have their support and ideas;
- Encourage them to also aim high;
- Keep yourself accountable;
- Set a great example.
3. Share your progress. Be open about your progress against your goals. Just as you will give your team feedback on how they are doing against their goals and targets, you should make your own progress visible. This is quite an exercise in vulnerability – after all you are completely exposed – and vulnerability makes a big difference to the levels of trust.
4. Set the example. Don’t ask your team to do that which you are not prepared to do yourself. This does not mean that you need to be able to do everyone else’s job. That becomes less and less doable as you rise through the ranks. It does mean that if you need your team to work long hours, then you need to do so too. If you need them to take on additional work because someone is sick or on leave, then what can you also pick up?
5. “Be impeccable with your word”. This is the first of “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz. This means that you say exactly what you mean; that you do not use your words to denigrate yourself or others; that you are kind with your words; and that you keep your word. A commitment is a commitment – don’t be that manager who commits to time with a team member and then cancels last minute! You know how that feels. So don’t be that person.
6. Be kind. Help when asked to. Offer help when you see a team member struggling. Make sure your team members feel supported.

Before you can even think about how to inspire others to dig deep and live into their potential, you need to be a great example of exactly what you are looking for in your people. Being inspiring does not require you to be charismatic – but you can’t be dour and lacklustre yourself. You don’t have to be charismatic in order to be cheerful, hardworking, deliver great results, live with integrity and be kind. But these characteristics are incredibly attractive – and that is more valuable than any charisma could be.