What makes a leader inspirational?

People are always looking for what makes a leader inspiring. Of course it is someone who consistently succeeds, who gets runs on the board and who gains respect. But how to they do it? Check yourself against these attributes…

I interviewed two inspirational CEOs during the filming of my latest series on best practice – Jude Munro (CEO Brisbane City Council) and Glenyce Johnson (CEO Peregrine Adventures) and watched how they worked and interacted with their people. I found six main things they did… simple things, but effective!

Last week I covered three (see blog 14 July):

• Lead by example
• Project your passion
• Drive your decisions

What else makes a leader inspirational?

Empower your champions
I watched how they enjoyed giving people new challenges… encouraging people to rise to new levels. I saw how positive and inclusive they are. It’s a pleasure seeing leaders who nurture their staff and give them the opportunities to grow. They see the potential in others often well before those people know it themselves. They believe in them and describe how they might develop in the future. They tell them what they believe they can achieve and then enjoy seeing them develop and build new skills. They find those enthusiastic staff, and they know not only how to nurture them but how to keep them challenged and motivated.

Reach your goals
Inspirational leaders set goals and provide a clear strategy that everyone can understand and follow. They are not afraid to ask for help or seek advice. They involve others and provide support and resources. They clear roadblocks and solve problems… and have enormous energy to stick it out and achieve their goals. And they’re not afraid to have people hold them accountable. They are results driven, but they will care about their people along the way… so its not just results at the expense of others.

Give time and respect to your people
It’s great to see leaders, who despite the pressures of work, plan for and make the time to spend it getting to know their people. They get involved in their teams and what’s going on. They make sure that things are working properly and communication is going right.

It’s the simplest walk in every morning and saying a special “hello” to everyone. They know who’s who and what’s happening and what’s going on around the business. Some even seem to create a “family” feeling. They are open and approachable – not just with lip service to the phrase “open door” policy. They make people feel important and give them credit for ideas and suggestions. They show respect consistently.

So test yourself. Do you…

1. Lead by example?
2. Project your passion?
3. Drive your decisions?
4. Reach your goals?
5. Empower your champions?
6. Give time and respect to your people?

Eve Ash is founder of Seven Dimensions (www.7dimensions.com.au) and author of Rewrite Your Life!, producer of the newest release – Inspirational Leadership and creator of best practice series WORPLACE EXCELLENCE.