In my experience, inspiring leaders rarely rely on charisma or title alone. They earn followership through consistency, clarity and behaviour over time. Inspiring leaders play three roles well: visionary, exemplar and mentor. They understand that leadership is not a moment or a speech, but a discipline practiced daily, and they return to these three roles consistently.
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Be a visionary. People don’t follow spreadsheets; they follow meaning. Set a clear direction rooted in values and optimism. Keep it simple and human. “Make our customers smile” lands far better than corporate platitudes. Say it often. If you’re unsure what you stand for, list your five core values, rank them, and let them guide every message you deliver.
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Be an exemplar. Leadership is visible behaviour. Calm under pressure. Courage when it counts. Integrity when it’s inconvenient. Passion matters too - not theatrics, but genuine belief. People don’t do what leaders say; they do what leaders model.
- Be a mentor. Great leaders lift others. Delegate trust, not just tasks. Listen more than you speak. Give credit freely. Take time to understand what motivates each individual; because leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. When people feel seen and supported, they grow. And when they grow, so does the organisation.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.
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