In the quest to become a well-developed leader, it may be tempting to compare oneself to charismatic, larger-than-life examples of great leaders and feel inadequate to the task of inspiring others.
But the ability to inspire commitment isn’t dependent on charisma, and it’s not even something that has to come naturally. Inspiring commitment means uniting a team toward a common vision, mission, and results, and it’s a skill that leaders can develop with time and practice.
Inspiring commitment is one of the 21 Leadership Dimensions identified in Stewart Leadership’s LEAD NOW! Leadership Development Model. To help you develop this skill, here are ten quick tips that will inspire commitment in your team:
1. Clarify expectations
Define and document performance standards clearly, and make sure no one has any doubt about expectations. Communicate expectations openly and encourage questions and conversations. People perform better when they know what’s expected of them.
2. Champion your people
Share your group or team’s achievements and performance with upper management in a positive way. Show your pride in your people!
3. Be willing to do mundane or unpleasant tasks
Never ask others to do what you are not willing to do yourself. Demonstrate your commitment to this principle by undertaking every day or unpleasant tasks occasionally.
4. Don’t micromanage
Get out of the way and let people do their jobs. Trust your people—you hired them for a reason!
5. Create a vision
People need to know there is meaning and value in their work. Create a vision, communicate it clearly, and rally your team around it. Be able to explain it in a few sentences and be consistent about sharing and describing it.
6. Develop team cohesion
Encourage camaraderie within your workgroup or team. Strong team bonds lead to loyalty, performance, and commitment.
7. Recognize your team
Share credit freely and openly within the team and with others outside the team or organization.
8. Reward your people as they want to be rewarded
The reward that works for you or works in another setting may not be what your current team needs. Find out how they want to be rewarded, and provide those rewards when appropriate.
9. Share the “why”
People value openness and transparency. Whenever possible, share the reasoning behind your decisions. Knowing the why will give your team a greater understanding and a sense of purpose.
10. Treat everyone consistently
Don’t play favorites among your team members. Be fair. People notice if some are treated with favoritism while others are ignored or treated unfairly, and that behavior will create a toxic environment.
The ability to inspire commitment is a crucial leadership dimension that can help you drive change and produce remarkable long-term growth. Contact us to learn more about our LEAD NOW! Model.