Leading from the Front: How to be an Inspirational Leader

Do you want to be an influential leader like Dr. Martin Luther King or John F. Kennedy? Many believe these individuals were born with the natural gift of leadership. However, I believe Leaders are made and not born. In fact, numerous of Fortune 500 companies spend millions of dollars each year in Leadership Development Programs. The purpose of these programs is to develop leaders within the company and teach them how to empower and inspire others. By following these tips below, you too can be an influential leader.

Win the trust of the people

A team without trust isn’t a team. It’s just a group of individuals working together without making any advancement to accomplish a common goal. A team that doesn’t work together may not collaborate and share information or get along with each other and this will be detrimental to the organization. A great way to win the trust of the people is to show them you care. Take interest in their lives and well-being. Let them know you care about their future and help them reach success. Your job as the Leader is to inspire them to keep growing, motivate them to perform at the highest level and provide guidance when needed.

Be yourself

Always be yourself! People can tell when you are trying to fit in. If you like to tell jokes during conversations, well do it. But, keep it professional. If you love sports, bring up last night’s game in a casual conversation. Let people get to know you and your personality. People admire others who are genuine and can relate too. Always be authentic.

Respect isn’t given, it is EARNED

A good way to earn the respect of others is to lead by example. It’s difficult to criticize someone for not being engaged when you’re not. In the military, I’ve been told, “Leaders leads by action.” This doesn’t start and end with emails going back and forth. Leadership involves getting up, seeing, doing and improving.

Another way to earn respect is to simply respect others. Treat people with dignity and hold them accountable if something is wrong. Also, make sure you give them praise for doing the right things and for outstanding performance. Always keep your word and be a positive role model inside and outside of the company. In due time, you will gain respect and admiration from others.

Qunicy Adams stated, “ If your actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more, you are a leader.” So get out, motivate and courage others to reach their goals and full potential. Leadership is not about the position you hold but about the relationship you have with your people and how they perceive you. By following these tips, you will become the inspirational leader you are destined to be.

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