InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 343 - October 2019 - Leading by Inspiration
Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

Leading by Inspiration

It seems so obvious that leaders are more effective when they inspire rather than intimidate so why are negative management practices so prevalent?

Why are so many managers oblivious to the demoralizing effect of focusing on weaknesses and shortcomings without properly acknowledging successes and accomplishments?

How does someone in a leadership position justify yelling, cursing, insults (sometimes masked in sarcasm or masquerading as jokes), criticizing subordinates in front of others, threatening demotion or termination, and talking to adults as if they were children?

Do they really believe that causing resentment, fear, or insecurity will produce better results than pride, self-confidence, and enthusiasm?

Some managers intentionally use negative tactics because they think it's an effective way to get people to do what they're told, but most managers characterized by the people who work for them as rude, inconsiderate, or abusive are totally unaware of how inappropriate or counterproductive their attempts to motivate are. They think they're just being tough. The people under them think they're just being jerks.

Many good people act badly when they become the boss because they're under pressure from their own boss to get results. Maybe they're simply mimicking the management styles of people they worked for. Or maybe they want to distinguish themselves from ineffective managers on the other extreme who try so hard to be everyone's friend that they don't set or achieve high goals or hold people accountable.

Whatever the reason, a far better approach is to treat everyone with respect by engaging and empowering others through inspiration and example. The best leaders bring out the best in people by making them feel good about themselves and their capabilities.

Inspiration is much more powerful than intimidation. By the way, the same thing is true for parents and coaches.

Written by Michael Josephson


October's Featured Positive Inspirational Story

Clementine - My Very First Dog

Every once in a while, someone comes into your life and leaves a lasting impression on you. Whether they are in your life for 20 minutes or 20 years, they completely change you. A Basset Hound named Clementine came into my life on June 9, 1987. I was . . . read more >>>


- Inspirational Leadership Quote -

Leadership is not a matter of authority, it is a matter of influence. A true leader teaches others to understand more, motivates them to be more and inspire them to become more
Michael Josephson

View more Inspirational Leadership Quotes >>>

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A monthly positive inspirational story and quote to refresh your spirit and boost the emotional bank account. InspirEmail was first published in November 2005 and each issue can be viewed in the Archived InspirEmail Directory located below the latest issue of InspirEmail


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