Action Steps for Inspirational Leadership

•Identify your own core values.Sometimes this is more challenging than you might think.Does your organization adhere to core values, or do they need to be recognized and “named” so they can be referred to?

•Strengthen the connection between your organization’s product or service and its (purported) core values.Do they match up?If not, then it is time to reassess those values.They should not be forced into fitting your product and culture.They should complement each other naturally and make sense to everyone involved, both inside and outside of your organization.

•Inspire by focusing on the end user of the product or service and its importance or impact.Your employees and customers likely know what you have to offer.But why is it important?Think of rallying for a greater purpose such as going green, helping others, or improving quality of life in some way.

•Look at how you are positioning yourself; are your techniques motivation-based or inspiration-based?

•Think of how you could change a message that is currently motivation-based to one that is inspiration-based.What is behind the message?What would make it impactful?Do you have to “pay” for results or are your followers listening, and invested in reaching new plateaus?

•Revisit the core values in various settings; do not wait for the annual meeting or a ma jor sales campaign to help employees or customers remember why you are all here.These core values should be the driving force for you, your employees and (in turn) your customers on a daily basis.