What qualities do truly inspirational leaders share? And even more importantly, what is it about their unique style of leadership that turns inspiration into actions and results?
Consider this post your guide to inspiration in the workplace. Keep reading to learn about the leadership qualities that will motivate your team to succeed.
Leaders come in all shapes and sizes and from different backgrounds. But influential leaders that motivate their employees tend to practice these common behaviors.
Google’s long-term study Project Aristotle found that the essential quality of successful teams is “psychological safety,” or the degree to which employees feel safe making mistakes, taking risks, and speaking up. Strong leaders prioritize the building blocks of psychological safety: connection, open communication, and vulnerability.
Across the board, strong leaders resist the urge to micromanage. Instead, they rely on their employees' unique strengths and skills. Such leaders give their team members the resources and time necessary to succeed, plus the freedom to execute with autonomy.
Strong leaders generously extend trust. They understand that trusting their employees is risky—but mistrusting them is riskier. They know that the benefits of extending trust include higher productivity, better engagement, and lower employee stress.
Great leaders roll up their sleeves and get to work modeling the personal characteristics and behaviors they expect from their employees. They know that “do as I say, not as I do” won’t galvanize a team to take action or achieve results.
To inspire results, great leaders set concrete goals and clearly communicate them. Strong communication skills put everyone on the same page and help the team work together synergistically instead of haphazardly.
To become a strong, inspirational leader, master the art of radically candid praise and criticism. This type of feedback is specific, behavior-focused, and personal. Great leaders use it to zero in on productive and unhelpful behaviors to help employees cultivate a growth mindset.
Want to build a team of highly engaged employees eager to follow your lead? Highlight and reward their accomplishments and hard work—including endeavors that ultimately failed but showed grit, passion, teamwork, and perseverance. Focusing on the positive builds momentum and encourages team members to continue taking action.
The ultimate test of a truly inspirational leader is whether their leadership not only pumps employees up but propels them to take action and deliver results.
Ask yourself the following questions to keep your leadership grounded in action and results:
What do you consider the most important quality of a great leader? Share your answer to one of the questions above with us on Twitter using #LeadersGuidetoInspiration.
Noelle is a content creator, author, and editor. She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not writing, she's either reading a good book or scaring herself with true-crime documentaries.
Your go-to resource for avid readers! Discover a wealth of information on
non-fiction business books aimed at boosting your professional development.