Inspiration... Can you provide it?

Feeling inspired in 2022... that seems to be the theme of everywhere I look and read an article or video post...majority of the time about inspiring the person watching to take action and do something different to create a change.

The thought this week is what is inspiration in leadership, I figured I may as well jump in the pool and offer an insight on inspiration in leadership messaging.

Ever felt "amped" up or if you are accustomed to supplements the feeling is the pre-workout jitters. The feeling where your mind is so focused and narrowed on the target, you feel energized and awake. Your blood is flowing, and it feels like oil running through a powerful engine! You know what to say and you know what to do action wise, you may even think your spiderman and see every next move you need to make.

Every felt "slumped" or if your accustomed to downing caffeine life this refers to the downside of the buzz once the power of caffeine has vanished. You feel not so focused and probably around 2pm and 3pm you are ready for a nap. To sum it up, the opposite of the section above...

So, why do I bring these thoughts up?

Over the years I've seen the "flash" of poor leaders who made great change fast but faded even faster. Some leaders I've seen move so fast and make changes so fast that when I got the final information, I learned that leader was already out the door and someone new was giving a new direction. Often, I remember this was always called "the flavor of topic" for the company.

In certain times you must be the leader who has to make that quick decision faster than most could realize but the actions of post decision make the impact. Often leaders find themselves in a position of authority where we "must" listen to them. If the Vice President of the company or organization is doing a conference, it is probably wise you should pay attention and take note of the subjects. I often thought though, why can't they be more inspirational?

Now, it is easy to understand that everyone in an organization has a role to play and we all must do our job. I, however, challenge that status quo and challenge the message we give as leaders. I would be naive to think that every speech, every message I gave I left the team feeling pumped... what a great fantasy.

I did always choose to deliver the message different and from the eyes... I use that term often from the eyes because nothing is more inspiring than a motivated individual who makes a connection with you and looks you directly in the eyes. You feel that passion and you feel that sense of purpose driven attitude. Fast forward and it's 2022... computer eyes are the all the newest rage, right?

The need for inspirational messages is now in need more than ever when it comes to virtual teaming or meetings. You won't be able to stare everyone in the eyes at once when giving that message but the passion and inspiration you feel about what you are delivering can come from the voice. Really focus on your team when speaking, don't be the note jockey who can't look away for 1 second in fear of losing your place. Most times when you're looking down to read, the team is looking around. Keep their attention and get them inspired through your voice, your actions and your message!

When all is failing, you as the leader have all the power in the world to reconnect the broken pieces, your words can become the glue that fills the gaps and cracks bringing back the full strength of the organization. Or, your lack of motivation can continue to derail the organization, it can allow for the gaps and cracks to widen and allow more inspiration to slip from the surface... As a leader, you can inspire all the change you want as long as you believe it.

What will you do differently this week to leave your team inspired? I challenge you to do something different!