Have you ever had a manager who talked the talk but didn’t walk the walk? It can be frustrating for most people. And on the flip side, have you had a leader who was right there in the trenches with you, showing how it’s done? That’s the kind of leader who inspires, the kind that makes you want to do your best not just for the job, but for them and the team.
Be the person you want your team to be
Leading by example isn’t just a fancy phrase; it’s about being the person you’d look up to if you were in your team’s shoes. It’s about showing up on time, tackling the hard jobs without complaint, and keeping a positive vibe even when the going gets tough. This doesn’t mean you’ve got to be superhuman. It’s about showing your team that you’re with them every step of the way, not just barking orders from a comfy chair.
From my time Coaching business owners, I’ve noticed the ones who truly inspire their teams are those who are authentic. They don’t try to be someone they’re not. Instead, they’re honest about their strengths and weaknesses and are always looking to improve. This authenticity breeds trust, and trust is the bedrock of any strong team.
You can’t inspire if you’re not understood
Clear, open communication is essential. This means not just talking but listening. Really listening. It’s about having those regular check-ins with your team, asking for their input, and actually taking it on board. When people feel heard, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, that’s when they’re motivated to give their all.
Recognise and celebrate achievements
Everyone likes a pat on the back now and then. Recognising and celebrating your team’s achievements is a powerful way to inspire them. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Sometimes, a simple “well done” or “thank you” can make all the difference. It’s about acknowledging the effort that’s been put in. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a culture of excellence where everyone wants to keep doing better.
Be a mentor, not just a boss
There’s a big difference between being a boss and being a leader. A boss says, “Go,” but a leader says, “Let’s go.” Part of inspiring your team is being there to guide and support them in their professional growth. Offer advice, share your own experiences (the good and the bad), and help them set and achieve their goals. When you invest in their development, you’re showing that you care not just about the business’s success but about their success too.
Show resilience and adaptability
Things don’t always go according to plan. That’s just life, and it’s certainly true in business. Showing resilience in the face of challenges and being adaptable when things need to change is incredibly inspiring for your team. It sets the tone for a resilient, flexible work culture where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and grow, not reasons to give up.
Leading by example isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real, being present, and showing your team that you’re all in this together. It’s about building a team culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best. As a Business Coach, I’ve seen time and again that the most successful leaders are those who inspire by example. So, roll up your sleeves, get involved, and show your team the way forward. That’s how you inspire greatness.
Our Cycle of Business Success Workshops are game-changers for business owners. They love what they see, and it completely fires them up. You’ve got nothing to lose by coming along to these free events and everything to gain. Why wait? Don’t put off until tomorrow what you absolutely know you should do today. I’ve helped thousands of business owners to build and grow their businesses – and they’ve never looked back.
Upcoming event:
Thursday 16th May 2024 – Radisson Blu Hotel near East Midlands Airport
Guaranteed Investment
Everything I do is bound by my solid gold guarantees. Regardless of which programme we work on, if you do what you said you were going to do, when you were going to do it, you will get a return on investment guaranteed. If not, then I will refund you the difference. Yes, I am guaranteeing your investment.
