How can inspirational leadership not be important?

Leadership is all about engaging the hearts and minds of people and we need to remind ourselves that we do not have the right to lead others if we are not passionate about what we do.

# Passion + Purpose = Profits

One of the many responsibilities of an inspirational leader is to attract and retain the best talent in the industry and to do so, according to the Human Capital Trends Report published by Deloitte University Press, we have to change our focus of “keeping people from leaving, towards attracting and inspiring people by delivering a fulfilling work experience that aligns personal and corporate goals”. Thus our individual desire for purpose, personal growth and a sense of belonging is changing the world economy as we used to know it.

Inspirational leadership and employee engagement are essential for achieving and driving sustainable results within organisations.

# Employee engagement + Inspirational leadership = Business result

Employees today (particular millennials) are looking for employers that INSPIRE passion and allow them to fulfil their professional, personal and social goals. Today’s workforce challenges businesses in new ways where employees demand a sense of shared purpose, social purpose and better communication; they want to feel connected to the brand.

In an article published in the Harvard Business Review Why Inspiration Matters (Nov 08, 2011), it is said that: “In a culture obsessed with measuring talent and ability, we often overlook the important role of inspiration.”

According to the article

  • Inspiration awakes new possibilities in us and propels us from apathy to possibility, and transforms the way we perceive our own capabilities.
  • Inspiration is the springboard for creativity.
  • Inspiration facilitates progress toward goals.
  • Inspired individuals reported experiencing more purpose in life and more gratitude.
  • Inspiration increases well-being.

We are also reminded that small accomplishments are important, as they can boost inspiration, setting off a productive and creative cycle.

Is inspirational leadership important, you decide? But I do believe that we owe it to our employees to be passionate about what we do, to be authentic in our behaviour in support of our company values and that we instill a culture of TRUST and confidence.

Let’s Inspire!

Author: Elmarie Vos