#2 The Challenges of Leadership – Inspiring Others
Last week, we started a series on the 6 Common Challenges of Leadership, based on a white paper by William A. Gentry, Regina H. Eckert, Sarah A. Stawiski, and Sophia Zhao. We took a look at Developing Managerial Effectiveness because, with the best will in the world, the chances are good that when we reach a position of leadership, there are still some skills to be developed to make us fully ready for the pressures and perspective the role requires we handle.
Today, we’re going to have a look at the second most common challenge – that of inspiring others. This challenge is described as “inspiring or motivating others to ensure they are satisfied with their jobs; how to motivate a workforce to work smarter”. Before we go into it, let’s first define the difference between inspiration and motivation.
Many people talk about motivation – as in motivational speaking, or motivating a team etc. I don’t personally believe that you can motivate people for very long. You can pump them up and point them in the right direction, but motivation is an outside force, and what is needed to drive people for the long haul comes from within. Motivation has been described as existing in one of two ways – stick or carrot. You can either entice someone towards motivation, or you can threaten them into it, neither of which are very powerful. Inspiration, however, comes from an entirely different place and has completely different results. It’s imperative not only to understand this but to know which one you’re aiming at.
Personally, I think most people opt for motivation because it’s the quicker, easier route. It gets immediate results even if it doesn’t last very long. So, if you’re a leader looking for quick results and you’re willing to keep expending your energy alone coercing your team back to action every time they flag or encounter another hurdle, then read no further. No doubt the frequency of that energy expenditure will have you well practised by now. However, if you’re interested in a different kind of burn – if you want to light a deeper, more enduring kind of fire that burns slow and then builds to something self-sustaining that can’t be extinguished… then inspiration is what you’re after.
So how do you inspire others? I’ve mentioned that motivation is the quicker, easier route – even if it doesn’t last as long. That would make inspiration the harder, slower building route – which is why few leaders are truly up for the challenge. Inspiration is about building layers of understanding that connects to the people you’re trying to inspire. Inspiration is about telling a story that others buy into – and no, I’m not talking about sales. Most sales rhetoric is about as far from inspiring as it’s possible to get because… it lacks authenticity.
Inspiration is the meeting point of authenticity, values and belief. In order for people to be inspired, they must feel that the cause is genuine, they must value it personally on some level, and they must believe that it is possible together, even if it seems impossible alone. Inspiration is internal, whereas motivation is external. Intrinsic vs extrinsic. Inspiration comes from the core of you. It belongs to you. It’s deeply entrenched in your own values and beliefs. It’s something you value and would go to war for. When was the last time you felt that way about something?
To say that one of the 6 most common challenges of leadership is inspiring others assumes that others aren’t inspired. It also assumes that the leader has something to be inspired about that they wish to convey. The problem seems to be that most leaders don’t know where to start, or where to go once they do. For lack of an answer to either of these problems, most leaders resort to some degree of jumping up and down, baiting or threatening. After all, isn’t that how most of us were raised?
Inspiration quite literally requires telling a different story. Here’s a 3 point How To:
1. Create and share the story
Whatever team you’re leading, be it a small team inside a bigger one; be it a sports team or a choir; be it a school, a business or a family… there’s a story behind that team. Every family started with a story. Every business was someone’s dream in the first place. The problem is that discussing and writing the Vision and Mission statements that tell our stories has become a box-ticking exercise devoid of depth, heart and sincerity. If you had a story to start off with, you can’t expect it to live unless you give it life. If you don’t have a story, then create one. Why is it you’re doing what you’re doing? What is it that sets you apart from any other family, team or business? What is it you’d like to be recognised for? The bonus of refreshing or rewriting your Vision and Mission is that you can invite the input of your team, thereby involving them in a story they may never have heard or may be able to help you write.
What this personal involvement does is allow everyone to see how the story fits them personally. They get to try it on for size and examine how it resonates with them, how the values of the family or business overlap with their own values and beliefs and consequently figure out to what degree they buy in. It’s possible not everyone will buy in and that’s okay. Those that don’t fit won’t ever be inspired and it’s in everyone’s best interests to know the fit is wrong. But those who can find common ground with the story, the vision, now have something to aim at. Not a string of numbers on a spreadsheet that represent the required year-end results, but something that they can take into their hearts and fight for when the going gets tough. Something they can go to war for when competition challenges, or when they’re questioned as an individual brand ambassador. Involving your team in the story makes each one an advocate for the cause, rather than just an employee, and allows that story breadth outside of the few lines of a Vision statement.
I hope it’s clear so far that inspiration comes from story, and story is an emotive thing. It’s a living, breathing, authentic reason to do something that people can overlap their own values with.
2. Point out the progression
Once you’ve created and shared the story and your team is on their journey, the next thing to do is point out their progression. It’s inspiring to know you’re moving towards your goal, whether that goal is specific or whether it’s more of a culture. I’ve written previously about how instrumental people’s values are to the way they operate and consequently, how important it is to establish a set of values for your business and its team. These values represent a compass to navigate by, a True North if you will, as well as a box within which to operate so that you know your parameters. When you know the values of your business and your team buy into and support those values, then you have guidelines for everything you undertake. Without these guidelines, any journey or decision can be very confusing. When you create and share a story, those listening see parts of themselves in that story – things they feel from their own experiences and are willing to respect and support. Therefore there are two types of progression that need pointing out once an inspired journey has begun.
Firstly, any goals that have been specified must be measurable so that you can tell when you’re accurately moving towards reaching them. This must be communicated within the team and kept at the forefront of everyone’s minds. This way, everyone can see the progress and help each other with stumbling blocks. Share and celebrate every win to keep the energy going.
Secondly, every time there is an authentic example of the agreed-upon values being demonstrated, point it out. This allows everyone to stay on the same page and to feel their success in small ways. This sense of achievement can overwhelm challenges that would fell a less energised and unified team.
3. Keep the main themes fresh
A leader’s job is just that – to lead. Not with a carrot – that would be motivation; but with the encouragement, support and affirmation that your team has what it takes, and your story is worth it! Any way that you can find to keep the main themes of your story fresh, to reward their presence where you see them in your team, and to remind everyone why they’re doing what they’re doing is valuable.
The key here is authenticity. I’m not recommending you start to sound like a cheerleader. That would be plain cheesy. What I’m suggesting is a genuine, deeply felt demonstration of the story, principles and values yourself; and genuine encouragement of those that show similar.
There is very little more inspiring to humans than purpose, and yet there is very little clear purpose discussed in life. Everyone seems to be searching. We all want the same things as discussed in our previous series – certainty, uncertainty (or variety), significance, love & connection, growth and contribution. When you invite your team to meet these needs within your story, you have a true recipe for long-lasting inspiration.
The absolute bottom line to this is that it requires authentic leadership. If you don’t demonstrate, believe and buy into the story and values, then you can’t expect anyone else to. If you DO authentically demonstrate the story and values, then you don’t even have to be that great a storyteller. You can demonstrate it, and your team will help to tell that story themselves. You’ll also provide a living legend for people new to your team to get to “grips” with. Telling your story isn’t a one-time thing – it has to live.
The more energy you create with the story and the buy in to the common value system, the more your team will start to feel the difference of heading towards something worthwhile. When they’re now on the move, you can start to challenge them to hone their practices so that they can conserve that energy towards best practise. It’s always worth pausing to consider how something can be done better, even if it’s been done that way for a thousand years. Especially if it’s been done that way for a thousand years. Question everything. Ask whether it fits your updated story. Ask whether it complies with your renewed values and goals. Ask how you could tweak things to conserve energy better used for the completion of your mission. Create solutions rather than blame. Conversations create connection. Connection creates inspiration. Inspiration fires drive and direction. Go get it!
by Christen Killick
September 2nd, 2019
Any one who wnats to be considered a leader should be authentic and inspiring!
Great article
Regular conversations is the key and is important for team work
Excellent writeup
Nice article on the differences between motivation and insipration!
It is the first time for me to differentiate between motivation and inspiration that clearly. The impact is huge when you differentiate and work on the inspiration which lasts longer.
Es excelente, la explicación de la diferencia entre motivación e inspiración; me servirá como herramienta para fomentar la inspiración en mi equipo para alcanzar nuestros objetivos, siempre con una comunicación clara y abierta.
It is the first time for me to differentiate between motivation and inspiration that clearly. Putting together the inspirational story is not easy and needs true believe in our goal.
I appreciate focusing on the difference between inspiration and motivation. It directs me to focus my effort on creating my story around inspiration and relate to the team.
That’s really a good insight on how we can create our or team building story. Thank you so much for a wonderful thoughts and ideas.
As business leaders we are currently facing significant pressures on both acquiring and retaining employees. It is vital that we reflect on our role the “the great resignation” to determine where we are failing in our call of leadership – to inspire the shared vision and support our teams efforts in both corporate and personal achievement of goals. As we acknowledge the 40% leaving of employees leaving their employer we should be asking what can I do differently? Insightful article
This content is refreshing and in line with how I aim to live and impact the people around me on both personal and professional levels.
How does inspiring or motivating people work to build a successful team? It is well explained. Great article.
Great insight and aptly covered the difference between inspiration and motivation.
チームワークについての素晴らしい記事です
チームワークについての学びになります
This article has great information. I love affirming and supporting others. I would recommend it to others that are interested in balancing on a profession and private level.
Excellent Article. Love the balance that it strikes.
Within a group the most helpful, protector and facilitator person is the leader.
As business leaders we always face challenges to inspire and motivate our staff, the contend shared here is definitely going to help me convert the dreams and aspirations of my team members into reality, making them work towards the common goal and achieve greater heights in their careers.
Fortalece tu propia historia, no te olvides del camino recorrido, de los obstáculos sobrepasados, comparte con tu equipo tus experiencias transmitiendo con convicción que todo es posible en la medida que se trabaje direccionado y enfocado en alcanzar pequeños objetivos que tarde o temprano serán grandes metas cumplidas. Agradece siempre, reconoce los esfuerzos y destaca los logros que se van alcanzando a cada paso. Sé humilde en reconocer que nadie es infalible y que todos podemos equivocarnos, que siempre es posible aprender de las experiencias vividas y de los aportes de otros, empodera a tu equipo destaca las fortalezas de cada uno y poténcialas, incentívalos a atreverse y a proponer ideas, que sientan que cada uno es importante en el equipo y sobre todo impúlsalos a que corran tras sus sueños, sin detenerse porque cada paso avanzado conlleva una historia, esfuerzo, enfoque y dedicación, cada obstáculo un aprendizaje que te demuestra que con la actitud correcta y perseverancia nada está tan lejos como para que no puedas alcanzarlo. Comparto plenamente con ustedes que lograr inspirar a tu equipo es una herramienta muy potente que además genera madurez en el equipo y el deseo permanente de mejora.
Very nice content which so easily provide clarity and differentiation between motivation and inspiration. Being authentic is the bedrock for any leadership and has come out so evidently.
Just read this twice. Love the ideas behind telling stories. Makes it tangible. Great article.
Great article. I strongly believe the effect of demonstration for the authenticity.
Inspiration needs purpose. The more you can transfer purpose to your teams, the easier it is that team members tap into inspiration.
I think a real leader is acknowleged as such by her/his team through transparency and reliability in act, with the example
it is my 1st time to understand the difference between inspiration and motivation… and i think that although inspiration may need more efforts but it will provide much more sustained value.
Well written and explained…
I always get bored from reading long articles , but i couldn’t stop reading till the end
very nice one and clear differentiation bet motivation and inspiration and definitely will try to practice story module 🙂
¿Por qué hacemos lo que hacemos? sin duda un planteamiento profundo que cuando lo descubrimos con sinceridad y responsabilidad, podemos realmente liderar a otros. Al fin de cuentas el liderazgo es servicio! Me encantó el artículo.
I appreciate focusing in inspiration and motivation, this is essential for the people.
The essence of :
Inspiration Vs motivation.
Will always help me concentrate and create a better focus. .
Authenticity is key!!!!! Absolutely!
Authenticity is KEY!!!
Great article. I came to know the difference between Inspiration and Motivation.
Wow, me inspiro para hacer un trabajo con mi equipo!
I believe the trust is the key to success. Thanks
Buen articulo, bien ilustrado.
Great article. Very insightful and relevant for my current work environment.
Leaders should inspire the team to put in the best effort.
if You Inspire Great Performance, You’re a True Leader
It’s all about the story and growing with your team. It inspires and motivates our teams! Love the insight!
Very much impactful article, love the lines.
Create solutions rather than blame.
Conversations create connection.
Connection creates inspiration.
Inspiration fires drive and direction.
Great article on inspiration and motivation. I am not currently a leader in my organization or team but I always try to practice inspiring and motivating others around me both on a personal and professional environment.
Trust and reliability work the most be it encouragement or motivation a team mate expects from the leader.
great article
Very helpful article
Great article!
Why is it you’re doing what you’re doing?
What is it that sets you apart from any other people?
What is it you’d like to be recognised for?
These questions need to be done frequently to check if you are in the right direction encouraged by your heart and autenticity
And… If you don’t have story, then create one.
Go think about it!
Inspirar es el arte de ¨¨soplar brasas¨.
apoyar a otros a que vean su grandeza y desarrollar su potencial.
Me parece muy interesante aprender la diferencia ente Inspiración y motivación y de ese punto de vista buscar que inspira a mi equipo .La motivación a veces dura poco y se tambalea ante los obstáculos.
La inspiración es más fuerte y hace que nuestros objetivos sean más alcanzables.
This is very useful for me and I rethink inspring for team members is important.
Very useful article to differentiate when we should inspire people and when we have to motivate them
Serve with integrity lead with courage act with love
“Don’t tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”
George Patton
Ótimo artigo ! Inspiração é o ponto de encontro da autenticidade, valores e crença.
This was a great article! I currently try to utilize some of these techniques, however, I will be more intentional about it going forward.
Really a great topic and much required when we work in a busy schedule and miss to give required imporatnce to these kind of important and long term objectives to be injected into our day to day working culture.