Inspirational Leadership

Good leaders should have the ability to manage, build consensus, be pragmatic, communicate effectively and basically steer the organization towards its destiny. However one of the most ignored traits of good leadership is that of “inspiration.” Whenever an organization or a crisis faces difficulties, one of the most uplifting things that a leader can give to the people is inspiration.

Even the most talented and qualified people within an organization will from time to time need an uplifting word in times of despair. The truth of the matter is that all organizations encounter stormy seasons from time to time and when this happens the people tend to look upon their leader to tell them that it’s all going to be well at the end of the day. It’s the leader’s prerogative to assure the people that the current stormy situation is just but a passing cloud which will pass someday.

The world has witnessed powerful Heads of State come out to inspire the citizenship of a country is times of crisis. Amidst tears and heartbreaks, Heads of State and Government have had to face the citizenship and the entire world while categorically stating that they are in charge and that with the help of the citizenship they shall overcome. We all remember the assurance given by President George W. Bush to the Americans and the world after the September 11 terrorist attacks. “You are either with us or with the terrorists” is the statement that summed it all up for the Americans and the world. It was a statement of unity and of purpose.

An inspired organization is a combative organization. The strength of a leader goes a long way in building consensus and unity among the people. While acknowledging the fact that leaders are mere mortals with frailties and emotions just like everybody else, it is imperative to state that a leader’s inspiration lies in knowledgeable advice and wise counsel. This therefore calls for leaders to surround themselves with people of great repute, moral character and great wisdom. A leader should surround himself or herself with inspirational people who have walked the walk and have succeeded in the process.

This inspiration from within a leader’s inner circle can then be transferred to the masses within an organization or a nation. At the end of the day it is worth noting that an inspired people are a potentially successful people which is good for any organization or nation.