This Management Essential presents: Seven
Behaviours of Inspiring Leaders
Introduction
These are commonly found behaviours of leaders who are rated as "inspiring"
by their peers and staff.
As with many management guidelines, the principles are simple - the difficulty
is in the application. So as you read these think about how you might
apply them - use the development planner at the end of this Guide.
Above all, be yourself. It is not inspirational to see someone behaving
in way that is far outside their normal behavioural patterns.
1.
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Have a positive Vision
.... and let everyone know what it is. People who are not optimistic
about the future find it hard to be inspirational.
To apply this principle:
Express optimism about what you believe can be achieved, but be
realistic about this. People who are negative and pessimistic are
never inspiring. Focus on what could be not what is unlikely. Use
expressions like "I think we could do that," rather than "we'll
never get that right". When something has both positive and negative
aspects, talk about the things you can do first rather than the
things you can't do.
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2.
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Model excellence and enthusiasm
It is hard to inspire others if you accept mediocrity and are unenthusiastic.
To apply this principle:
Seek out the positive elements of peoples' work and focus on this
rather than on the weaknesses. It is better to say "that part of
your report was great (but other parts were not)" than "you need
to do more work on these areas (but other parts are good)". The
end result is the same - some work is good and some needs improvement
- but the focus is the positive not the negative.
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3.
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Create a high performance work environment
.... one that delivers today and transforms the future.
To apply this principle:
Check (by asking each individual if necessary) the following:
- All outcomes for the team and each individual must be known
(performance accountabilities must be in place)
- Work plans must be in place and be used
- Work must be challenging and interesting
- Staff must support each other
- Staff must be recognised for their efforts
- Frustrating barriers to performance must be removed.
Create an enjoyable work environment - encourage people to have
more fun at work. Admit to and see the humour in your own and others
(harmless) mistakes.
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4.
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Communicate achievements often and widely
.... people feel inspired by knowing the good things that happen
in organisations.
To apply this principle:
Plan to communicate one positive achievement to a large group,
team or individual staff every day
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5.
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Get involved with your people
.... an absentee leader is not inspiring.
To apply this principle:
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Instructions
1:
Development Planner
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