As leaders, we are, by definition, influencing others.  In my recent post, The Power in our Words, I talked about our word choices and how they will influence those around us.

To become Remarkable Leaders we want to influence with impact – we want our influence to be a positive and productive force in the work, results and lives of others.  Which begs an important question.

How do we speak and behave in an inspirationally influential way, when we don’t feel very inspired?

The best answer I have to this very important question is to fill your mind with things that inspire you.

Hopefully your vision for the future of your organization or team makes that list, so renewing your focus on that vision and reminding yourself and others of this powerful “why we are doing what we are doing” should help.

But you can draw inspiration from anywhere, and when you do, you will be able to transfer that through your mindset, words and actions into inspiration for those you lead.

So. acting with my executive leadership coaching hat on, I’ll further answer that question with a another question.

What inspires you?

If poetry inspires you – read more poetry.

If athletic endeavors inspire you – watch top athletes perform (or go for a run).

If music uplifts you – listen to the music that does that for you.

If meditation or prayer inspires and centers you –  pray more regularly.

This list could go on and on, but you get the point.  Figure out what inspires you and pout more of that in your life!

As leaders we are responsible not just for inspiring ourselves, but others as well.  Which means we must take that responsibility seriously.  The good news is that when we do the things, and think about the things that inspire us, we win, but so do others.

Your leadership influence is real.  Make it one of your conscious leadership activities to  create a habit of being inspired, because when you are inspired, you have taken the first necessary step towards inspiring others.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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