We all want to be inspired, simply because it motivates us to be more and do more. We all like an inspirational story, one that makes us believe in good and hope for the best. As much as we want to be inspired let us also aspire to become a source of inspiration to others, this is because in the process of inspiring others, you also get inspired. It is in teaching others that you learn, and in strengthening others that you become strengthened.
The word INSPIRE as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary means “to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it”. To get the best out of your team, friends, families, colleagues and out of life, you must INSPIRE.
To inspire, build on the following qualities:
Integrity
Nurturing attitude
Show and be an example
Possibilities mind-set
Intelligence
Respect
Excellence
Integrity: Integrity; “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” as described by dictionary.com is also seen as doing the right thing when nobody is looking. A person of integrity is an honest individual, with unquestionable character, they are the go-to person for reliable assessments of matters and/or an objective view in a decision-making process. Integrity is borne from a foundation of strong moral values and principles. Integrity is an action; your words and actions are aligned to strong morals and principles, you are believable. Today inspire by being a person of integrity.
Nurturing: Inspire by being nurturing. Nurturing simply means “the act of encouraging, nourishing and caring for someone or something”. Nurture people; talents, strengths, weaknesses and their individualities so they grow into mature stable people of value to society. It’s often said women are natural nurturers; however, everyone has the innate ability to nurture, as long as the primary desire is to create better individuals. The most important qualities in nurturing is patience and understanding. Pay keen attention to people and their growth patterns, everyone has a different pace for learning; there is a time to be gentle and a time to push harder. Nurturing encourages people to be their very best.
Read also: ‘SMEs must acquire right capabilities, competencies, structure to remain in business’
Show and be an example: Be what you say you are! If you say you are truthful and honest, then you must exhibit such character. You can’t inspire by saying “do what I say, not what I do”. To inspire, you must be a leader of self foremost before leading others! Being an example always inspires others to better behavior and accountability.
Possibilities mindset: Having a possibility mindset means having a can-do attitude, very infectious when positively pushed in the team environment or beyond. In a world full of critics and pessimists, having a possibility mindset can become draining as you battle the tide of doubt, however, one must stay focused and keep striving to achieve, this always inspires others. Remember, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible! – (Audrey Hepburn)
Intelligence: To inspire is to be intelligent. Two ways to inspire; Knowledge (improving your IQ): Expand your knowledge base. Improve on your knowledge of global and national matters. I use the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors) framework in learning about global and national matters. Improve your knowledge of music, art and culture too. People management (Emotional Intelligence): Emotional intelligence is critical in inspiring others. You must be self-aware and people aware. Encouraging others and speaking positive words tend to work better on building morale.
RESPECT: Respect is very vital in inspiring people. Showing respect to everyone no matter their standing in society is an act that inspires people. This builds trust across divides and establishes love. No matter where society or an income bracket places a person, show and be respectful.
Excellence: – To inspire, you must show excellence in all you do; your words, your actions etc. Excellence is Possessing outstanding quality or superior merit. To inspire others, you must show that you are passionate about making things work, about making things excellent, and about putting your best foot forward.
Start to inspire by building on these qualities I have shared. As you inspire others, you will get inspired too. Remember the saying, “He who sharpens others will also be sharpened.” Best of luck!
Written by
Oge Funlola Modie
ABOUT OGE FUNLOLA MODIE
Oge is a published author, writer and speaker. She is the Editor and writer of GetFearlessly AunthenticTM Newsletter, a personal leadership newsletter that chronicles her life as a professional. She is involved in causes for women, young people and the vulnerable. She loves to read comics, watch comedy flicks, listen to music and play golf. Shares her love threefold- Love for God, Love for People, Love for Country. www.ogemodie.com
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