Learn These 5 Key Characteristics to Become an Inspirational Leader
In the book “Start With Why”, author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek explains two ways to influence human behavior as a leader: manipulation and inspiration. Manipulation refers to using tactics such as inducing fear or making exaggerated promises to get the work done. While it may help organizations grow, leaders are unable to gain the loyalty of their teams. In essence, manipulation gives only short-term gains. However, successful leadership can leave a long-lasting positive impact on people, and this is mainly possible through inspirational leadership, as it helps foster growth.
According to the LinkedIn India 2023 Workplace Learning Report, the work landscape in India is witnessing unprecedented changes and rapid revolutions. As a result, employee expectations are changing, and they want to feel a sense of purpose and value at work. This means top executive leaders must work on their leadership style to balance human needs and capabilities and technological innovations. Moreover, they will have to promote leadership by example, which has become the need of the hour.
In this blog, we will explore the following:
- Top Five Characteristics of Inspirational LeadershipAbility to Envision
- Personal Credibility
- Ability to Evolve
- Self-Awareness
- Strong Beliefs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Inspirational Leadership
1. Ability to Envision
To begin with, a clear and strategic vision is fundamental for an organization’s success. It creates a sense of belonging by making people work toward a common goal. However, organizations must first have a strategic vision to inspire change. Thus, one of the core characteristics of inspirational leadership is disruptive envisioning. It refers to the ability to foresee the future, find growth opportunities, and have the courage to bring innovation.
Moreover, the modern business environment is hypercompetitive, and organizations are focusing on building unique products or solutions that give them the first-mover advantage. Powerful inspirational leaders, therefore, have disruptive envisioning skills that enable them to drive innovation and creativity and lead change.
2. Personal Credibility
Inspirational leadership also refers to leadership by example or motivational leadership because leaders inspire their team by building trust, offering mentorship, and motivating team members to accomplish various tasks. However, to seek inspiration from a leader, people need to build loyalty and confidence. They have to evaluate the character and nature of a leader to determine their credibility before developing trust.
Thus, charismatic leadership or inspirational leadership is based on authenticity, consistency, the ability to make effective decisions in crucial times, and inspirational communication skills. Other essential elements of leadership credibility are trustworthiness, goodwill, and reliability of the information received from the leader. Moreover, an inspirational leader with integrity is dependable and competent in influencing others.
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3. Ability to Evolve
Inspirational leaders can adapt, thrive, and evolve in changing situations. This is crucial in this age of constant technological revolution, where new skills drive the workforce.
Hence, powerful inspirational leaders are curious to learn new things and can adapt to dynamic business conditions. This includes a lot of learning as well as unlearning traditional ideas. Moreover, inspirational leaders should also be able to experiment with new ideas and innovations.
4. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a crucial trait for effective, inspirational leaders. Self-aware inspirational leaders have better control over their emotions. They can assess their strengths and shortcomings. Furthermore, they can leverage that by enhancing their strengths and working on their weaknesses.
Hence, self-awareness helps leaders make informed decisions, which leads to organizational growth. They also show empathy and seek constant feedback. Thus, they are able to gain the trust of their team members.
5. Strongly Held Beliefs
Inspirational or charismatic leaders have strong personalities and exude confidence, power, and charisma, which draws others to them.
They have strong ethical and moral beliefs and values that help them focus on their goals and objectives. Thus, they inspire others to follow their lead. Inspirational leaders are committed to their core values, and this helps them to overcome their biases. It also enables them to make the right decisions, thus driving growth and success.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Inspirational Leaders
1. How Can I Develop the Qualities of an Inspirational Leader?
The best way to develop inspirational leadership qualities is to learn leadership and interpersonal skills. Also, follow and analyze the activities of popular inspirational leaders, seek mentorship, and self-assess strengths and weaknesses.
2. Can Anyone Become an Inspirational Leader, or is It an Inherent Trait?
The approach of inspirational leadership is that inspirational leaders are not born but made. While one may not have inherent leadership traits, learning soft skills and gaining practical experience can help them become inspirational leaders.
3. How Does Inspirational Leadership Contribute to Overall Team Success?
Inspirational leadership boosts organizational growth by facilitating innovation and creativity. It achieves this by motivating and inspiring individuals, enhancing employee engagement, and empowering them to take initiative. Moreover, inspirational leadership also helps in hiring and retaining quality talent by offering them growth incentives.
4. What are Some Real-Life Examples of Inspirational Leaders and Their Impact on Their Organizations?
Ratan Tata, the famous industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, is one of the best real-life examples of what inspirational leaders should be. Under Tata’s guidance, the company bought various subsidiaries, including Tetley. Another popular example is Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the chairperson of HCLTech. Nadar had no experience in technology; however, her risk management and decision-making abilities led to the growth of HCL.
ALSO READ: 8 Types of Leadership Styles and How to Choose Yours
While inspirational leadership is one of the most effective leadership styles in the rapidly changing work environment, no one leadership style fits all situations. Hence, leaders must modify their style and inspirational communication methods depending on the situation by resorting to motivational leadership or charismatic leadership. Again, you will need to learn core leadership skills and practical training to become a powerful and influential leader. Explore Emeritus’ online leadership courses and acquire the relevant skills to advance your career today!
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