What does it take to be an inspirational leader? What are the behaviours, attitudes and strategies of truly outstanding leaders?
This question is asked so many times and there are so many books, articles and videos on the topic. I have written so many myself. But after meeting some inspiring leaders and watching them at work I have seen they do many things well – here are three (I will cover more soon):
The inspiring leaders I have just seen at work are invariably in a positive mood with lots of energy. They galvanise others into action through their energy. Typically they keep themselves fit and energised by doing exercise (riding or walking to work, regular gym). They look after themselves so they are in the best state to lead by example.
Leaders need to keep mentally and physically healthy. That might mean getting a coach for yourself, or even having someone external to the business who helps you stay on track!
When you see a leader fully committed it makes others commit. Often being courageous, taking risks, taking time to talk to all the staff on a regular basis – these are the things that show passion. These people constantly seek opportunities to challenge themselves and others around them.
You can see passion in the sense of fun they have, in their body language, in the way they take time to thank people. It’s an ability to project excitement out to people they may not even know. Passion can be expressed in a range of ways – not just the formal large group speeches. It may be in the letters and emails, the phone calls, even the relationships and meetings. When people see and feel it they become passionate.
I like seeing leaders who are clear about the decisions, and they make decisions where others often hang back, paralysed by indecision. They know the key outcomes and what is best for their business, their staff and the future… and they make those decisions with strength and clarity. They may not always be popular decisions, but over time they are usually seen to have been the best decision/s at the time.
It’s having the courage to assess a risk and decide with what research is available that this is the best course of action. And then to have that ability to hold ground when others might attack a decision. Or to be able to know when a decision may have been the wrong one, and to make the necessary changes quickly and effectively.
It’s not always an individual decision by the leader. They know when and how to involve others in decisions, and can facilitate a brainstorming and then do the follow through to take.
Mostly it’s about having the courage to make it happen and manage any fallout.
Eve Ash is author of Rewrite Your Life! and Rewrite Your Relationships! and producer of the DVD Leadership Sins, a 2009 release from the DIFFICULT PEOPLE & SITUATIONS series by SEVEN DIMENSIONS www.7dimensions.com.au
For more Eve Ash advice, click here.
Smart Company is a sister publication to The Mandarin, catering to Australia’s entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers.
