Inspirational leadership

Imagine if you worked on a team and your boss, manager or even co-worker said:

• “You’re a complete idiot for doing that”
• “This was all your fault”
• “I should never have hired you”
• “If you don’t get it right this time you’re fired”
• “I don’t care what you want, I am not going to do it, I am your boss”

Would you feel much like going back to work the next day? Of course not. 

As individuals or team members we are motivated by statements like:

• “I knew you would do a great job on this”
• “I believe you can achieve great things on this team”
• “We really need your skill set on this project would you be willing to help us”
• “You deserve all the credit, I am glad we have you on the team”

For some strange reason however, the world (led by Donald Trump it would appear) is full of leaders and influencers on both sides of the political spectrum who are prepared to stick their necks out and really be an example of some of the worst leadership qualities. 

Inspirational or motivational leadership is a pretty obvious description of a leader who has the ability to inspire and motivate by their actions. They have the ability to see the best in others.

The lead by example. They rarely use influence through their title or position in the organisation (positional leadership) which has been proven over and again one of the poorest ways to lead.

Yet we are in a position where it might appear to some to be de-rigueur to be the person who can shout the loudest. 

In the long run, I promise you that style does not work.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.