Successful leaders

Just read a nice article. Sharing it: http://www.theplatinumcircle.com/blog/management-leadership/become-a-successful-leader-with-these-tips-to-manage-a-team/

Inspiration or motivation

Posted my question about yesterday’s discussion to the linkedin group. See what the experts are saying.

Motivate my team – Why?

I have been thru a few CV’s for an opening and an attribute in all of them attracted me to one word – Self-motivated. If all my new team members are so motivated, do I need to motivate them further to get the best results. May be not. Then I wondered what are all motivation factors that can put my team up to do something out of the routine.

• Money – the foremost point came from the team.
• Team outings – Hmmm Okay – was the reply
• Some motivating Gyan – Yawn came thru

And for the first two points, I can make recommendations or somewhat bound thru organizational policies. So expecting a manager to motivate his/ her team has only indirect levers. But my question still remains – If any team member (or team) need(s) motivation as expected by senior management?

Some thought to it and I feel a manager can inspire its team to attempt the higher orbits. Inspiration is something that can infuse motivation in them. Though the two words are used interchangeably sometimes, there is a difference in their impact. A dictionary.com result says inspire is “to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence”.

I feel, without inspiration, motivation would die out soon. Inspiration can be the source of motivation. It is a driving force that lasts longer.

Let me know your views and discuss it further.

Leadership – different facets…!!!

Couple of days back, a friend asked about leaders and their skills. I told him a few words that I read somewhere on the Internet quite a long ago. Here it goes:

There are different types of leadership styles. Similar to three shepherds. The one that opens the gate and walks through, allowing the flock to follow—leads from the front. Second stands behind the sheep and guides them through, a supportive leadership style while third that moves from front to back has an interactive leadership style. Knowing how to apply any of these leadership styles to a particular situation helps respond effectively.

Certain styles suit particular situations. While a leader is likely to succeed in a situation where process is important, other may be one who manages a professional group of people. Dominant leaders may be more effective where there is a real drive for change.

Leaders are expected to give teams consistent, positive energy to sustain momentum. A leader grows with his followers who frequently change depending upon the context.

It is always important for a budding leader to look-up to his role model but equally important is not to emulate him. It can create a false impression of oneself and can hit back. Every person has his own persona and personality that should be grown to reflect oneself, the behavior should come from within. It cannot come from outside. Building up leadership skills, increasing self-awareness  and evaluating own capabilities have much more potential for success.