Shared by eTACSEN Managing Director Terence Yeung
During a recent leadership training session for a financial services client, a participant raised a thought-provoking question: “The ideal leader inspires passion and energy, but in reality, we often have to push our teams to achieve goals, even when they’re not fully motivated. Are these two different types of leadership?”
My response: “They’re not contradictory. The essence of leadership lies in balancing ideals with reality.” Here’s how to inspire even the least motivated team members:
- Build credibility by leading by example
- Become a trustworthy leader who leads by example. Only when you are credible will your team willingly follow - Align team goals with personal interests
- Show members how achieving organizational goals can enhance their personal interests. This includes not only financial rewards but also personal growth, employability, and contributions to societal development - Foster innovation and celebrate small wins
- Build a positive atmosphere through continuous small successes, inspiring team members with a sense of progress and achievement - Develop skills and build high-performing teams
- Help less confident or less skilled members gain new abilities and confidence while working toward organizational goals, thereby elevating the team’s overall capability - Reinforce positive behaviors with public recognition
- Publicly recognize teams or individuals who do the right things, using creative methods to celebrate their achievements and inspire others to follow suit
The essence of leadership is not just about driving goals but also about unlocking each individual’s potential, helping teams find a balance between ideals and reality. Through these methods, we can transform team members from “passive executors” to “active contributors,” all striving toward a shared vision.
As leaders or managers, our mission is to guide our teams to achieve organizational goals. True leadership is about making team members willingly follow, inspiring them to strive for shared goals.
What do you consider to be true leadership? I welcome your thoughts!
