Are you a leader who inspires followship?There is a voice within each one of us that is calling us to remember our purpose. When we do, our example encourages others to do the same. You undoubtedly have encountered inspirational people in your own life.Their sense of direction and clarity of intention is infectious, and moves everyone around them to a higher purpose.There isn’t an employee in the world who does not want to be inspired by the leaders in their life.So why not get started on the next motivational plan? Because motivation and inspiration are poles apart.

Motivation directs us to grasp an idea and carry it through to an acceptable conclusion.It is often based on external reinforcement such as workplace pressure, monetary reward, or the fear of failure.This “two by four” approach is a temporary fix and requires continual maintenance and acceleration.Over time, it is an energy drain on both you and the people who surround you. How can you sustain that?

Inspiration, on the other hand, provides much deeper, more enduring results; it allows us all to be propelled by a force greater than ourselves.Connecting with your own inspiration, and therefore inspiring others in your work environment can directly correlate to the success of your business.Moving your employees to connect to their own sense of purpose will carry them much farther—and this will carry your organization farther too.

Do you motivate or inspire?Start on the road to inspiring others by fostering your own inspiration and purpose, and then articulating it to others around you.

Be inspired

Every inspiring leader has also been inspired. A leader whose soul has been touched by another’s holds the key to truly inspiring others. Who inspired you?Why?What ideals or behaviors did that person demonstrate that left an impact on your life?

Dedicate yourself to your followers

Motivating leaders may get their followers to effectively serve them for a period of time, but those leaders who inspire are the ones who serve alongside and assist in raising the performance of each follower.You can start this dedication by showing sincere gratitude.It works.

Live your inspiration

There is no worse damage to a follower's inspiration than the realization that the leader doesn’t live out his or her own convictions.An inspirational message is only as powerful as the legitimate conviction with which it is told. The main message here is to be earnest. Do not attempt to adhere to ideals that don’t fit you or your organization.

Maintain unequivocal clarity

Passionate, inspirational leadership is possible only when that leader is utterly clear about his or her own beliefs and goals. A repetitive, simple, positive message will stay in the minds of your followers and allow you all to stay on track.

Lance Secretan says this in his book “Inspire” (Wiley, 2004)

“Martin Luther King Jr. didn't say, "I have a strategic plan!" And Mother Teresa didn't have a quality program - she didn't need one. Inspiration has underpinned the philosophy of every great leader.”

If you clarify and clearly convey inspiration to yourself and within your organization, you will propel others around you to achieve more and excel. Your efforts will encourage followers to tap into an inner purpose that speaks to them, personally. Inspirational leaders have a higher intention; they connect the current challenge to a larger concept or ideal, not just the next deliverable or the end of a production schedule. It is time to start rallying others to hear the call that helps them remember their reason for being here.