Some leaders have a gift for inspiration. They have the ability to motivate others to do their best. We often look for individuals with a certain passion, a self-confidence that radiates so that we want to be more like them in our attitudes and actions. Inspiration is both a talent and a skill—that is, it can be innate in a leader, but also can be learned. If you can inspire those around you, then you may be a highly effective leader. Inspirational skills can help you overcome challenges, encourage creativity, cope with stress and connect others with their strengths.[1]
Be a person of integrity. Proverbs 11:3 paints a stark contrast: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Integrity is the quality of being honest and having a strong moral foundation. A faith-centered leader should aspire to be a person of integrity, upright and blameless. Integrity is inspirational because it gives others a standard to aspire to. Living by biblical values and treating others honestly and above-board is a tool that leads others toward self-improvement and high performance.
Build up others around you. Compliments and recognition give others a positive boost to their confidence and a pride in their individual effort. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us plainly: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Under-appreciated people become deflated as their motivation is drained by effort that is unrewarded. People become stressed and anxious when they don’t believe in themselves. Giving a high-five changes their perception, and can also connect their individual work to larger goals. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of being.”
Maintain a positive outlook. People enjoy being around leaders who are enthusiastic and positive, especially in the midst of challenges and setbacks. Enthusiasm is a contagion, often sprouting up in others who become joyful and passionate when influenced by a positive attitude. Even in dark, difficult times, optimism is a healthy response. A positive outlook helps others push through and see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 confirms we should “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Stand for your values. A leader who in uncompromising on their personal values, ethics and beliefs is inspiring. People look up to leaders who take a stand as a source of stability, continuity and safety. Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” In other words, be immovable in the things that really matter. We want to have others we can rely on when times and circumstances are unpredictable. Standing for your values produces a level of trust in that the core of who you are as a leader cannot be shaken. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
[1] https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-inspire-others
In today’s culture, we bicker, feud and fight with other Christ-followers. Arguments among God’s people are commonplace. But we can never argue anyone into an understanding of God. At best, this is a spiritual tangent.