You have many responsibilities as a leader/manager, and inspiring others is a big part of those responsibilities. Before you can inspire, model the way, and lead others, however, you must first be inspired yourself. Consider the following questions: When was the last time that you reflected on your role as a leader? Why are you in a leadership position? Was it experience within your field that has brought you to this point, or was it your education? Perhaps it was a combination of both. Although career advancement and increased compensation are real components of being a manager, there is so much more when it comes to true leadership. Leadership is never simply going through the motions of daily tasks. A leader has to have a vision of something bigger and better, and the drive and skills to lead and inspire others to share his vision.
That which inspired you a decade ago may no longer be a source of true inspiration for you today. That’s OK. As people grow and change, so do their goals, beliefs, and ideals. What’s most important is your awareness of those things that inspire you the most at this point in your life and career. Knowing that will help you to be a better leader. Take the time to consider what you want to accomplish as a leader. What kind of impact do you want for your leadership to have on your employees, your customers, and the company itself? Answering these kinds of questions will help you to identify those things that inspire you.
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday tasks and to be distracted by all the “fires” that need our attention. However, in order to have a solid leadership foundation, it’s crucial that we know ourselves, examine our performance, and understand our motives. Being at the top of our game requires ongoing work on every level, so invest the time in those things that will help you to be your best.
