“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” —Kobe Bryant

 By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Inspiration

Whether you like Kobe Bryant or not, his quote shows that he’s definitely on to something. What an incredible purpose, to live your life as to inspire others to give their absolute best efforts toward achieving their goals. You have the opportunity to inspire those around you on a daily basis. If you can learn to understand their motivations, you can inspire them and ignite their passions. You must first build authentic connections on a personal level. Offer your time and energy to help others grow and flourish. Spark their curiosity and inspire a passion for participation, innovation, and problem-solving. Your ability to inspire others is dependent on how they perceive you; make sure they see you as mutually trusting, authentic, and encouraging.

Trust

Booker T. Washington explained, “Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and to let him know that you trust him.” The influence you have with others makes you a leader, and to be successful in that role, formal or informal, you must develop relationships based on trust and commitment. Trust is a two-way street. You must earn the trust of those around you, but you must also demonstrate your trust in them. Trust provides the foundation from which you build the relationships that allow you to influence and inspire others. Get to know others on a personal level and show genuine interest in them. Include them in goal setting and decision-making processes. Ask for their input and give them the autonomy that shows you trust their intentions and abilities.

People look to those they trust and admire for inspiration. Be open and transparent in all your interactions. Be authentic and show you care. As you earn trust, you will also earn the opportunity to serve as an inspiration to others.

Set an example

Rupert Murdoch said, “In motivating people, you’ve got to engage their minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope, by example – and perhaps by excitement, by having productive ideas to make others feel involved.” The day-to-day example that you set plays a big role in your ability to be an inspiration to those around you. Everyone is looking for someone to inspire them. Act as a mentor to those looking for guidance. Show them how to set and then work toward goals. Make sure you’re available and willing to help those in need. Be authentic and live your life so that when others see your behaviors they will be inspired to model them.

Encouragement

John C. Maxwell tells us, “If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it – young or old, successful or less than successful, unknown or famous – is changed by it.” What better to be known for than as someone whose inspiration and encouragement changed the lives of those who came in contact with them? People are most satisfied when they feel empowered with a sense of control, independence, and value. They are encouraged when their contributions and ideas are respected. If your want to inspire others, help them to see the value and meaning they have to offer. Encourage them to be active participants in their own success.

Inspiring Others

Harold S. Geneen explained, “The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them.” Inspire others by showing trust, setting a good example, and being of encouragement. Develop trusting relationships where you can inspire individuals to collaborate, share knowledge, and innovate on their own or in a group. Be authentic in your words and actions so others can see exactly what is inspiring about you. Help them become the best that they can be. Ignite passion and commitment which will inspire them to put forth their best efforts. And, the bonus is, the people who are inspired by you will turn around and share that inspiration with others.

 

 

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.