If You Share What Inspires You, Then You’ll Help Others Find Their Greatness
The Habits That Form Leaders – Part 4
Don’t lose your “why,” because it points the way.
There’s an ancient proverb that says it like this: From the heart [what you love] you plan your course, but the Creator establishes the steps [or the way]. That’s the foundation of inspirational leadership.
Knowing You Can Inspire is Half the Battle
The first step is to know you can be an inspirational leader. That’s half the battle. Growing up, I watched G.I. Joe, and at the end of every episode came the phrase: “Knowing is half the battle.” The same is true for leadership. The moment you realize you can inspire, you’ve already won half the fight. In other words, you are halfway to being a next-level leader by simply knowing. The problem is, most people don’t know it.
See the Greatness in Others
The next step is to recognize that every person around you is amazing. Every individual is amazing. You are amazing. Everyone in your circle is amazing. But here’s the catch—they’re waiting on you to show them that they are amazing! Inspirational leaders reveal the greatness in people, even when those people don’t see it themselves.
That requires looking into the heart—exploring what’s inside, discovering what you love, and then speaking what’s in your heart. You fill yourself first, and then you release it to others.
Examples of Influence
Let me give you an example. Four entertainers—each great in their field:
- Verdine White, bassist for Earth, Wind & Fire.
- Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, drummer for the Jacksons.
- Kobe Bryant, NBA legend.
- Misty Copeland, prima ballerina.
They all had one thing in common: they were influenced by one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Inspiration begets inspiration.
So here’s the question: Who are you inspiring in your space? Could you be shaping the next Verdine White, Jonathan Moffett, Kobe Bryant, or Misty Copeland? Wouldn’t it be something to be remembered as the person who helped create a legend?
Then comes the harder question: How do you display inspiration daily?
