How will you inspire others to...

RAISE THE BAR for themselves today?

Hello #GameChangers! I hope that this Friday is treating you well after a week of hard work :)

In this post, I 'd like talk a little about how we as leaders can inspire, motivate, empower and even challenge others to raise the bar for themselves ;)

While leading by example is certainly necessary for every leader, I think that it's worthwhile to dig a little deeper to see how exactly we can do so...

In my own experience, the answer lies for a large part in two very distinct traits / characteristics that we, as leaders, should make a conscious effort to genuinely cultivate and exhibit to those around us.

The first trait / characteristics is our inner ability to EMPATHIZE with others.

Nothing is more terrifying (or soul-crushing) than working for someone who is narcissistic, incapable of, or worse, can't be bothered to be empathic; these people simply can't comprehend or understand what you are going through, nor do they think that it's important either - and it's a vicious cycle that undermines an entire organization's culture with dread and misery...

In contrast, inspirational leaders have the gift of empathy for their people. They listen attentively; they comfort you and they feel for your pain and worries. They don't belittle, they don't crush, and they don't humiliate you when you're at your most vulnerable.

Instead they embrace and share your pain / worries with you, they make you feel safe and give you the room to be who you really are; they laugh and cry with you and work tirelessly with you to help you address your issues and they spur you on to greater success. In short - inspirational leaders genuinely care about you and they show it.

The second trait / characteristic is about using EVERYTHING IN YOU to inspire yourself and others.

Now what exactly is using EVERYTHING in you?

When you genuinely empathize with someone, you use your past experiences, your past pains & humiliating moments, your past failures and darkest times, and even perhaps anything you might be going through right now, to relate and understand what others are going through.

You use everything you have been through to be a steadfast rock for others to cling onto in the middle of the storm of their own lives, and help them navigate their way to 'calmer waters'. The realization that you are no better than others and the courage to openly show it makes you more authentic, approachable and ultimately MORE HUMANE.

And with that is a strong way to you can inspire and challenge others to raise the bar for themselves in their professional lives, as well as in their own personal lives as well :)

Now, how do YOU inspire others to raise the bar for themselves..?

I would love to hear your thoughts about this!

Have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend ahead!

______________________________________________________________________

Jean-Francois Cousin

Speaker, Author and Master Certified Coach

Director at the Global Board of the International Coach Federation

Greatness Leadership Coaching

Jean-Francois Cousin's latest book 'Game Changers at the Circus: How to Unleash Greatness in Their Organizations' is now available on Amazon in Kindle or Paperback - grab your own copy now!

“Game Changers at the Circus takes aim at some of the most toxic behaviors in the workplace, demonstrating what is truly needed for a grand performance. You will love Jean-Fran?ois Cousin’s insights and smile at the creative way the story unfolds.”

Dr. Marcia Reynolds

Author of  The Discomfort Zone: How Leaders Turn Difficult Conversations into Breakthroughs