Inspirational Leadership 

Inspiring, guiding and mobilizing individuals and groups; articulating a clear, compelling and motivating vision for the future. 

 

People with this competence:  

• Articulate and stimulate enthusiasm for a clear, compelling vision;

• Have the ability to bring people together; step forward to lead as needed, regardless of position;

• Create a sense of belonging in a group, creating an emotional bond or spirit that makes people feel they are part of something larger than themselves;

• Challenge the status quo, inspire a shared vision (“encourage the heart”*), empower others to act, set an example (“model the way”*);

• Articulate a sense of common purpose beyond the day-to-day tasks, making work exciting, and inspiring others to follow People lacking this competency;

• Do not have a clear vision for the future of the team or organization;

• Fail to maintain a long-term, big-picture view of the organization and its future needs and opportunities;

• Work independently; fail to build coalitions; sometimes work against the group;  

• Cannot arouse a passion in others for a common goal or direction; fail to marshal the people or the resources to accomplish a goal or task;

• Ignore others as a source of support;

• Are often too opinionated to work with others;

• Fail to see the value and importance of getting others on board to accomplish a goal or task.

 

Development tips:  

• Develop a clear vision for the future of the initiative, the group or the organization;

• Articulate that vision in a way that inspires, motivates, compels and mobilizes others to want to achieve it;

• Challenge the status-quo; be creative; come up with fresh perspectives, innovative and breakthrough ideas;

• Know what you admire in a leader, develop your own personal definition of meaningful, inspired leadership, and model the way;

• Openly discuss high-level issues with your team or group, seek substantive input, share credit, create opportunities for ownership in the vision;

• Think big-picture, match the individual’s talents, skills, experiences and aspirations with the task /opportunity to avoid micromanaging, and give capable team and group members latitude to move things forward;

• Maintain your credibility and integrity at all times or you will not be given the opportunity to lead 

 

Great Resources: 

The Leadership Challenge, by James Kouzes and Barry Posner 

Primal Leadership, by Daniel Goleman, Annie McKee, Richard E. Boyatzis

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