Research demonstrates that inspiration is what separates great leaders from average leaders, and then again from average leaders to bad leaders. Leaders that inspire their employees find that their employees will be more engaged and committed to their work and projects. The ability to inspire is one of the top ranked qualities when employees are asked what they would ideally like in a leader.

When you ask leaders about what actions they take when they try to be more inspiring, most have no idea.

Reviewing and practicing the ideas below will help you to become a leader that inspires.

Set stretch goals

Set goals that encourage employees to significantly change their performance. Stretching goals will help employees to further develop their skills and consequently encourages change, which leads us to our next point…

Embrace change

A leader that embraces and champions change makes for a leader that inspires. The ability to embrace the unknown and accept new circumstances head on is a skill that many lack due to being creatures of habit. Leaders who are able to put habit aside are inspirational.

Collaborate

A leader who understands that no task is too big or too small is an inspirational leader. For employees to see their leader work and complete tasks that may be deemed ‘too small’ for their job description calls for respect.

Communicate

A leader that has the ability to clearly communicate is inspirational. Communication is one of the most important skills to have in the workplace, so the ability to clearly detail a project vision and work expectations so that employees understand what is required is enviable and inspirational.

Establish a clear vision

A leader who has the ability to have a clear vision and manages to keep that vision in mind while working on a project is one that will inspire. It is critical that the overall vision of a project or organisation is never lost, because if it is lost or forgotten, an organisation will never achieve maximum success.

Form emotional connections

By forming emotional connections with their co-workers and employees, a leader is able to earn respect and unite a team.

Develop subordinates

A leader who spends time developing the skills of subordinates is one who demonstrates that they care. This will enable that leader to be trusted by their co-workers or employees, as well as grow their organisation for the better.

Encourage staff

By offering encouragement to co-workers and employees, a leader inspires and supports. This behavior is highly engaging and will encourage others to reach outside their comfort zone and grow as a member of the organisation.

Be a role model

A good leader is a good leader for a reason, they are able to demonstrate the organisations views and values through their actions as well as achieve results through earning the trust and respect of their co-workers, and this is what makes them a role model. It is important that a leader remembers that as a role model should lead by example.

By practicing these ideas as a leader in an organisation, you will not only become a great leader, but an inspiring one too.