One of the definitions of inspiration is the drawing in of breath. Working in an inspired workplace can be like a breath of fresh air. Your team is energized. Stories of positive connections with each other and customers occur frequently and are celebrated. People want to come to work.

Inspired organizations have higher levels of motivation, enhanced enjoyment, productivity, service levels and commitment. This is what you want for yourself, your team and your organization.

Emotions Drive the Train

A necessary component of your leadership skill set is to influence and inspire. Where to begin? Dale Carnegie said “When dealing with people remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic but with creatures of emotion.” Understanding that 80% of all decisions, reactions and responses are driven by emotions becomes key to your success. You may start down a logical path but at the decision point emotions become the primary driver.

Your team members are emotional humans and they need leadership that appeals to those emotions. Emotions drive attitudes, attitudes drive behavior.

Know Yourself

Leaders require self mastery and emotional intelligence and as such you then inspire others with your attitudes and behaviors. This can be through a shared vision which can include helping others, making the world a better, safer, more fun, smarter place. Whatever your company product or service there is a way to tap into your team members human desire to connect, give, and feel good about what they do. By way of example, you have at some point in your life experienced a class with someone who was inspired to teach as opposed to someone teaching just to make a living. The best are those who are inspired to teach. You know the difference. There is no comparison in the quality and impact of the experience when we are served by those who are inspired by what they do.

Connecting to What’s Meaningful

“Connecting why we are here. We are hard wired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” Brene Brown.

You begin by connecting with your team. Openly seek out their input. Ask the question: What is it about our mission, our service, or product that inspires you? After you ask the question. Listen. Then listen some more. Remember that what inspires you may not be the same as what inspires your team members. You have to have a message that resonates with them.

Next time: Finding the Message that Inspires

Teresa Lowry is a passionate advocate for learning, growth and generating real organizational change.

Fueling that passion are exceptional communication abilities, a great training room presence and the ability to connect with people successfully in mentoring and coaching. Teresa brings successful results and implementing change from the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. She has a Juris Doctorate and bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Personally, Teresa enjoys serving on several community boards, volunteering with non-profit community groups and she is committed to achieving a healthy lifestyle through fitness. Along with her husband, you will find her in the gym every morning working out and training for distance and obstacle races.