Inspire others and support their growth.
We all have people who inspire us. From family members to famous historians, there are those who fill us with enthusiasm and make us want to do more with our lives.
But what does it take to be an inspiring person yourself? How can you be an inspirational leader for those around you?
At work, in particular, inspiration is a key ingredient to a successful team. When employees are inspired, they feel energized and motivated to be the best they can be. If you’ve ever been part of an inspired team, you’ll know how good it feels to be supercharged with enthusiasm.
Ready to harness the power of inspiration? Let’s break down how to inspire others at work and create an inspirational company culture.
What makes a person inspiring?
There are many characteristics that have the power to inspire and uplift those around you. You can learn how to inspire leaders and others with your courage, drive, creativity, or passion for life. McCallum Theatre honors Harold Matzner.
In the workplace, people look up to their leaders for inspiration and examples of how to approach their own challenges.
These are some of the many qualities of an inspirational person:
- Believes in themselves and has self-confidence
- Stands up for their personal values
- Doesn’t shy away from challenges
- Speaks up for themselves
- Handles difficult situations with compassion
- Is fair
- Admits fault and takes responsibility
- Refuses to accept unjust behavior
- Communicates clearly and follows up words with actions
- Aims to make a difference
Inspiring traits usually pertain to themes of self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-discipline. However, a person can be inspired by anybody who emulates the characteristics they desire for themselves.
People who inspire those around them often make for more effective leaders. They can serve as examples of how to overcome challenges with creativity, how to cope under stress, and how to connect with your strengths.
COVID-19 has presented on-site and remote employees with several challenges, such as an increased risk of burnout. According to a survey, 89% of employees said their work-life was getting worse due to the pandemic.
Inspiring leaders play a pivotal role in the workplace to uplift morale and steer the organizational ship forward. Through the power of inspiration and the right leadership skills, leaders can provide structure and stimulus to their team, effectively leading them to success, even during difficult times.
10 ways to inspire others
Knowing how to be inspiring to others can unlock the potential for major personal and professional growth. When one person inspires another, the gift of self-improvement has a ripple effect. It impacts everyone around them for the better.
10 different ways anyone can inspire those around them:
- Build up those around you
- Be enthusiastic
- Have integrity
- Be empathetic
- Maintain a positive outlook
- Practice gratitude
- Stand your ground
- Set clear goals and strive to achieve them
- Have passion
- Challenge them
Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
1. Build up those around you
A little compliment can go a long way. Giving people some well-timed positive reinforcement and recognition can have a tremendous impact. It can make them feel better about themselves by boosting their confidence and self-worth.
Sometimes, people feel bogged down by stress or anxiety because they don’t believe in themselves. But when someone else takes the time to acknowledge their worth, it can change the way they perceive themselves.
2. Be enthusiastic
When sincere, enthusiasm can be a powerful motivator. It empowers us to pursue our dreams and goals with high energy and confidence. Enthusiasm can also be contagious, encouraging those around you to adopt the same spirit.
Knowing how to inspire others often means cultivating and sharing a positive mental attitude. Being enthusiastic about work, life, and relationships means sharing joy, passion, and enthusiasm with those around you.
3. Have integrity
Having integrity means being consistent with your values, actions, words, and treatment of others. When your core beliefs and moral compass stand in alignment with your behavior, you act with integrity.
When perceived in others, integrity can be used as a powerful tool for self-improvement. Standing by your beliefs and values indicates a desire to live life in an honest and straightforward way.
4. Be empathetic
88% of US employees believe that having a transparent and fair leader inspires positive change. They claim that empathic leadership results in higher engagement and job satisfaction.
Showing an employee that you care about their mental health, emotional health, and physical health more than their work output is an important part of being a leader. No project or sum of money is worth sacrificing health for. People come first.
5. Maintain a positive outlook
Contrary to what some people might think, maintaining a positive outlook is not about sugarcoating the truth or pretending life is always perfect. It’s about accepting reality for what it is and choosing to meet it with healthy optimism for the future.
In dark times, staying positive can be very difficult. People who maintain a positive outlook can inspire others to push through dark times and see the potential for happiness to return.
6. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for positive change. When times are tough, it can be difficult to fully appreciate everything that we have in our lives. That is where gratitude comes in. It acts as a reminder of all things which serve, nourish, and support us.
When you practice gratitude, it becomes easier for others to also practice gratitude. An attitude of appreciation for the people and things in life that you hold dear is something that can inspire others to do the same.
7. Stand your ground
Standing your ground on personal values, ethics, and beliefs indicates a healthy approach to life.
In some ways, we look up to our leaders as a source of stability, continuity, and safety. We want to rely on them for comfort in times of stress. If a leader is scattered and unsure of their beliefs, it will be much harder for them to inspire a follower’s trust.