How do develop the 10 Capabilities to Leadership - Capability 2 - The Ability to Inspire others!

Author: lee stemm

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

- Albert Schweitzer

All effective leaders have their own unique vision of what they want to accomplish. That vision becomes the energy behind every effort and the force that pushes through all the problems on the way. With vision, the leader is on a mission and a contagious spirit is felt among the crowd until others begin to rise alongside the leader.

Unity is essential for the dream to be realised. Long hours of labour are given gladly to accomplish the goal. Individual rights are set aside because the whole is much more important than the part. Time flies, morale soars upward, heroic stories are told, and the commitment is the watchword. Why? Because the leader has a vision!

Vision is everywhere for a leader. It sparks and fuels the fire within, and draws you forward. It is also the fire lighter for others who follow that leader.

Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it themselves.

Vision starts within; therefore if you lack vision, look inside. What are your natural gifts and desires? Look to your calling if you have one. And if you still don't sense a vision of your own, then consider hooking up with a leader whose vision resonates with you. Become a partner. Powerful visions become a magnet; they attract, challenge and unite people who have similar values and goals. Nobody can accomplish great things alone. To fulfil a big vision, you need a good team.

What motivates others?

1. Significant contributions - People want to feel that they are valued and that they can contribute to others. They need to see that what they are doing is not wasted effort, but is making a contribution. People must see value in what they are doing. Motivation comes not by activity alone, but by the desire to reach the end results. 2. Good Participation - People support what they create. Being a part of the goal-setting process is motivating and it allows people to feel needed. They like to feel they are making a difference. When people have given input, they have a stake in the issue. They own it and support it. Seeing goals become reality and helping to shape the future is fulfilling. Goal participation builds team spirit, enhances morale, and helps everyone feel important. 3. Positive dissatisfaction - Someone said that dissatisfaction is the one-word definition for motivation. Dissatisfied people are highly motivated people, for they see the need for immediate change. They know something is wrong and often know what needs to be done. Dissatisfaction can inspire change or it can lead to a critical spirit. It can lead to apathy or stir one into action. The key is harnessing this energy toward effective change. 4. Recognition - People want to be noticed. They want credit for personal achievements and appreciation for their contributions. Recognition is one way to give meaning to a person's existence. 5. Clear expectations - People are motivated when they know exactly what they are to do and have the confidence that they can do it successfully. No one wants to jump into a tank that is vague or a job whose description is uncertain. Motivation rises in a job when the goals, expectations, and responsibilities are clearly understood. When delegating responsibility, be sure to give the necessary authority to carry out the task. People perform better when they have some control over their work and their time.

Remember: The number one motivational principle in the world is: People do what people see. Leaders must care for people before they can develop them.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ""Trust people and they will be true to you: treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.""

About the author: Lee stemm is a leadership + performance coach who supports business and organisational leaders in developing a coaching culture providing a framework for leadership that fosters transformation. join our monthly teleclass on leadership topics http://www.inspiringexcellence.net