There are so many theories in leadership ranging from vision to self-awareness to service. The simplest way to develop your leadership skills is to have a work ethic mixed with a solid foundation of core values.
Inspirational leaders have commandments they work and live by. Commandments, or guidelines, lay the critical foundation for the development of leadership and business solutions.
All of you have your own commandments that you work and live by. These 10 commandments will work as a guidebook to inspire your staff, increase workplace morale and lay the foundation for a successful company.
1. Be truthful
Any leader aspiring to greatness must do two things all the time — listen and tell the truth. Inspirational leaders own up to their mistakes and correct them as soon as possible. Do not blame others for your error. And when someone comes up with a brilliant idea, give credit where credit is due. Do not take credit for the idea. You will be respected by your team.
2. Be consistent
Leaders are always performing like an actor on a stage. You must consistently and authentically act out your part in front of your audiences. You must lead with high energy, all day, every day. You must protect your personal brand.
3. Be empathetic
To start using empathy more effectively, put aside your viewpoint, and try to see things from the other person’s point of view. Then validate the other person’s perspective and examine your own attitude. Perhaps you are more concerned with being right rather than finding a solution or accepting others as they are. Listen with your heart to determine what the other person feels.
4. Be generous
Business and personal relationships are everything. Every relationship needs to be a two-way street. However, before a relationship can be formed, you need to give with zero expectation of receiving anything.
5. Be strong
Inspirational leaders bring a light to someone’s life. You become the message of hope and encouragement to your staff. Encouragement comes from focusing on the strength of another person to drive their motivation and perform at a higher level, which adds value to the organization and your personal brand.
6. Be articulate
Effective leaders put words together based on the thoughts and needs of others. You must create the whole story out of words you have collected. Inspirational leaders are able to articulate and clarify what many of us have been thinking on the subject for a long time. Inspirational leaders seek and inspire excellence, not perfectionism. Go out there and learn, so you can return to your team members and inspire a culture of learning and accountability.
7. Be approachable
Are you accessible? Do you have appropriate body language? How you appear to others is key to being an inspirational leader. Some people have a fear of authority, but it is your responsibility to remove the barriers and establish an environment of trust. By using proper verbal communication and listening skills, you will become much more approachable and inspirational. You are in control of how approachable you are.
8. Be a brand champion
If you are passionate about a common interest, you create a very attractive personal style of interaction and inspire your team to become involved and take an interest in you. They become a brand champion, a supporter and a cheerleader of sorts for you. In return, you become a brand champion for them. Because we share a bond, we naturally support one another, no matter the situation, because of our passion. Remember, passionate people are attuned to the five senses: taste, touch, scent, sound and sight. Passion for a common purpose binds people and ignites warmth.
9. Be a genuine spirit
Talk to people — listen to what they have to say and what they actually mean. Sometimes those two can be completely different things. There is a beautiful story in everyone, so listen intently with an open mind. Try to add value to the conversation wherever you can. Everyone has a gift — bring the best out of everyone. Among many other lessons of the heart, Leo Buscaglia reminds us, “Love is open arms. If you close your arms about love, you will find that you are left holding only yourself.” Remember, some people are unreasonable and self-centered — love them anyway. Inspire them. Bring the best out of them.
10. Be credible
Reputation is about earning credibility, not expecting it. You must work hard at building credibility, so others are confident about doing business with you. One way to earn credibility is to keep your promises. Another way is to be honest. Actions speak louder than words. If you are credible and honest, your personal brand will sell naturally. So make your brand work for you. Most people agree that there is a direct correlation between a person’s reputation and his or her success. How effectively you represent yourself in public often determines what you will accomplish in your life. Your name can open — and close — doors for you. Guarding your personal brand needs to be a priority.
As an inspirational leader, do you have commandments that you work and live by? What do they look like?
MICHELE WIERZGAC is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author of the forthcoming book, “Ass Kicking Women: How They Leverage Their Informal Networks For Success.” With her high-energy presentations, Wierzgac conveys sound leadership solutions and promotes audience engagement and on-your-feet participation. She promises her audience that they will leave her solution-driven keynotes and workshops with at least one passionate, life-transforming leadership tool. For more information about Wierzgac, please visit: https://micheleandco.com.
