How you react to change is an essential element of leadership.
Quality leaders in the workplace, on the field and in life are often able to inspire others to excel. Defining these qualities can help a leader become an effective motivator of others. Leadership style and personality type, when used with essential workplace relations habits, helps a leader get the most out of his employees while also allowing them to flourish and contribute meaningfully to the company's professional goals.
Articulating the Vision
Passion is contagious, according to the website Focus.com. A strong motivational leader not only has a clear vision of success and achieve it, but she's able to consistently articulate that vision to others. She's able to "walk the talk" and has the discipline to lead by example. Those who are motivated to achieve are at all levels in a company, from the mailroom to the boardroom. Employees who consistently strive to anticipate others' needs; provide quality service to fellow employees by consistently going beyond job expectations to help others; and live the vision that the company espouses motivate others to do the same.
Embracing Change
An effective motivator and leader never says, "But we've always done it this way." Leaders aren't afraid to try something new and aren't afraid to fail; this courage in the workplace motivates others. Leaders also tend to view change as an opportunity to learn rather than as a barrier to success. Those who can best motivate others encourage them to learn new skills so they don't get left behind. When employees feel that they're always one step behind the competition, the will to stay competitive drains. A motivator who encourages others to always keep learning new skills instills confidence in their ability to succeed.
Integrity, Magnanimity and Humility
Effective motivators must also display personal integrity and a willingness to share credit when it's warranted. This doesn't mean that a good motivational leader trumpets every success: Humility is key, because today's success could be tomorrow's mistake. Conversely, a leader must remember the old adage that "the buck stops here." Accepting responsibility for mistakes goes a long way toward establishing credibility, which is essential when motivating others.
Showing Respect and Working Hard
Effective motivators aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty with hard work. Respecting the contributions of everyone in the work chain elicits appreciation from all. One way that leaders show appreciation is by taking the time to listen openly to others' ideas. Fostering an atmosphere that appreciates creative problem-solving allows everyone to feel that they're contributing to the success of the group. Showing just, consistent fairness when dealing with others helps employee relations stay smooth. Most of all, having a sense of humor reminds everyone that work can, in fact, be fun --- and motivating.
