It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, the size of your organization or your title. Inspiring leaders are always needed in good times and in times of crisis. What makes for inspirational leadership is the language you use. language matters.
As I’ve written about in previous posts, motivating others follows this formula:
WHY + HOW + WHAT = Inspiring Communication
Shifting how we communicate is important
Most of our communication happens electronically (email, phone, video-conference, etc.) and people are more than likely multitasking: preparing for their next meeting, thinking about other things, responding to texts, etc.) which means they aren’t necessarily listening – or listening as attentively as they could be.
Inspiring leaders understand this and use four methods to grab focused attention:
- Sharing a personal story or message – sharing “why”
- Tapping into emotion – sharing “how”
- Presenting trustworthy data or reliable source – sharing “what”
- Using concise language, without relying on jargon (i.e. industry specific terms, abbreviations, etc.)
The Role of Positive and Negative Messaging
Studies have found that the combination of personal stories that tap into emotion is more than twice as likely to resonate with your audience. However, use negative messaging sparingly, as it often deters enthusiasm and de-motivates people.
Positive messaging creates a desire to change and sparks imagination. If you want your employees to reach their full potential and change course, present stories and clear examples of how others are making a difference.
Inspirational leadership is not about imposing your will on your audience. Rather, it enables your audience to see the possibilities and create their conclusions. Practice telling positive, concise stories that illustrate how successful changes have occurred. This approach connects you and your audience emotionally, leading to action and willingness to imagine a new future.
When it’s time to inspire others, how do you adjust your communication so your audience hears your message?
Share your story with me here or on LinkedIn.
If you’d like support in increasing your leadership influence and communicating in ways that inspire your team more effectively, let’s discuss how you can do that AND lead from the strength of who you are.
