Seven Secrets Of Inspiring Leaders

Master the language of motivation to inspire your customers, clients and colleagues. There are several techniques that can help you develop the astonishing skills of persuasion. Here are the seven keys to inspiring your listeners.

You will never be considered a great leader unless and until you inspire your listeners. But once you do, customers will want to buy from you, employees will want to work for you and everyone will be energised in your presence.

1. Ignite your enthusiasm - You cannot inspire unless you're inspired yourself. Inspiring leaders love what they do and it shows. One man's passion can light the fire in others.
   
   
2. Navigate the way - Inspiring leaders craft and deliver a vision that is 10 words or less. A goal such as "we intend to double our sales by this time next year", is not inspiring. Neither is a long, convoluted, forgettable mission statement. A vision is a concise, vivid description of what the world will look like if your product or service succeeds.
   
   
3. Sell the benefit - Always remember, it's not about you, it's about them. Your listeners are asking themselves, "Why should I care?". Answering that question is a fundamental key to persuasion in every speaking opportunity, from presentations to pitches. Will your service or product make your client money? Will it save them money? Will it make them more productive? Tell them so. If your listeners cannot figure out what the benefit is to them in the first 90 seconds of your conversation, they will lose interest.
   
   
4. Paint a picture - Inspiring leaders paint verbal pictures by telling memorable stories. One method is to incorporate storytelling in daily staff meetings. Each day gather your staff for a 15-minute meeting where they hear "wow stories"; real stories of employees who exceed the expectations of a client. The stories will inspire and generate enthusiasm among the staff who, in turn, will use what they learn to fuel their own pursuit of excellence.
   
   
5. Invite participation - Inspiring leaders ask for opinions, listen to the feedback and act on what they hear. It can be as simple as posting "office hours". At the end of each afternoon, team members can sign up for a fifteen-minute meeting. Employees are free to express their opinion about a project or to pitch something new.
   
   
6. Reinforce an optimistic outlook - Inspiring leaders speak of a better future. Extraordinary leaders are more optimistic than the average person. Be charismatic by using positive, optimistic language.
   
   
7. Encourage potential - Inspiring leaders give the gift of praise. When you praise people they flourish; criticize and they shrivel up. When people are praised, their doubt diminishes and their spirits soar. You've inspired your clients or employees when your words leave them feeling better about themselves. Inspiration is valuable over the long run because it turns prospects into customers and customers into evangelists.

Carmine Gallo is a communications coach for the world's most admired brands. His new book, 'Fire Them Up', contains insights from more than 25 global business leaders who speak the language of motivation. Gallo is also a popular keynote speaker. To inquire about speaking engagements or to learn more about Gallo, visit his web site at www.carminegallo.com
First published: 25 February 2008.
Last updated: 25 February 2008.