When you’re working with others, especially if you’re trying to persuade them to do something they don’t really want to (even with the promise of money!), then one of the traits that you are going to need to master – or at least fake until you actually are – is the ability to inspire others.
While this comes naturally to some, for most of us it’s hard work. Much of that work actually starts with us: if we’re not inspired by something, it’s unlikely that we will inspire others. So be aware that you should always be conscious of how inspired or enthused you are by something, and if you’re not (but it’s important), you need to fire yourself up first before you can fire up anyone else.
So, let’s assume that you have this new project or goal that you’re eager to complete: something that you know is going to radically change not just your life, but others. How can you put this same zest and vision into others?
One great way is to communicate the meaningfulness of the project. People love compelling visions, because it inspires the dreamer in us all. Who doesn’t want to be a part of positive change? People want to be a part of a team that’s doing good – so let them know what it is.
At the same time, you need to be clear and honest. There will always be risks, obstacles, and pitfalls – so you need to communicate these as much as the glowing vision of the final success. People want to know what they’re getting into (and nobody likes nasty surprises!).
Its also worth remembering that having the right people in the right job is also vital to success, as is ensuring that any team you make bounces well off each other: if you’ve been in any working environment where there was a simmering rivalry going on – and not in a good way, then you know just how toxic this can be to the rest of the team. Get the right team that glues well together, and you’ll be going places.
Most of all, you’ll be going places together as a united team. After all, we all have different skills, talents, and ideas. When you get a great group together that inspires each other, something magic happens: if you’ve ever seen it, it’s quite the thing and this creates inspiration all on its own.
Even if you do have an inspired and inspirational dream team together, remember that there are times when something will go wrong. If you’re leading this team, then you have some important decisions to make, as well as carefully thought out leadership moves.
For example, do you want to crack down hard on failure and make examples of people? That’s tyranny, not inspiration. We all make mistakes, and we should be supportive of them rather than castigate the wrongdoer. People need to know that they can fall and still have your back.
This builds trust, and also has a knock on effect of stopping people from trying out new things. Many times, this trying new stuff out is what leads to a significant step forward: other times, a disaster that can be easily blown out of proportion.
As with so many things in life, becoming an inspirational person isn’t difficult: it’s simply a mindset that you need to communicate to others. If you can inspire, you’ll go far – this is one trait that’s really worth learning. Make the impossible, possible!