About the art of inspiring others

Nicolas,

It's easier for me to inspire others when I know things about their interests and their families. Not just what their immediate family's name is, but what their interest is as well. When I speak to them about work matters, I have this sense that care and authenticity is what creates a better understanding.

Communication is what the listener does. My theory is, if the listener knows you care beyond the work environment, a more meaningful message is conveyed.

I do this for my team, not for myself. I know this is cheesy, but my team thrives with a shepherd, and a shepherd knows his flock.

-Davis

Davis,

Well said.

And, if you're passionate about your work, that's likely to be infectious...

John

RobRedmond has an article called Manager as Evnagelist over on his site Struggling Manager.

It is outlined in it that you have to target your method to your audience. I agree with this. (note, this is what I got out of it. you may get something different)

To inspire people, I believe that you need to have a relationship with them of some type.  Everybody in Britain had a relationship with Churchill, and his most known speech was targeted at people based on the relationship he had with them.

When managing a group, a group of groups, or even larger scale, you have to build a relationship with them somehow.  To me the MT Trinity is an effective long term method of doing this.  As you go through it you are building a relationship with your directs, and your management.  

This relationship can then be used to help you inspire people.  But it is dependant on what kind of relationship you have.

Regards

Douglas.

Relationships are good but I think we have to becareful with crossing a line between friend and manager.  I think relationships are so important but if you become to close the relationship becomes blurred and the employee may become confused between mangager and friend.  When this happens and you are the manager all of a sudden you may feel like your staff are becoming a little too relaxed and respect may decrease.  I am finding it difficult to balance the two.  It reminds me of parenthood.  When you are parent it is important that your kids understand that you are a parent first and friend second.  Does anyone else have troubles finding a happy balance?

Relationships are good but I think we have to becareful with crossing a line between friend and manager.  I think relationships are so important but if you become to close the relationship becomes blurred and the employee may become confused between mangager and friend.  When this happens and you are the manager all of a sudden you may feel like your staff are becoming a little too relaxed and respect may decrease.  I am finding it difficult to balance the two.  It reminds me of parenthood.  When you are parent it is important that your kids understand that you are a parent first and friend second.  Does anyone else have troubles finding a happy balance?

Relationships are good but I think we have to becareful with crossing a line between friend and manager.  I think relationships are so important but if you become to close the relationship becomes blurred and the employee may become confused between mangager and friend.  When this happens and you are the manager all of a sudden you may feel like your staff are becoming a little too relaxed and respect may decrease.  I am finding it difficult to balance the two.  It reminds me of parenthood.  When you are parent it is important that your kids understand that you are a parent first and friend second.  Does anyone else have troubles finding a happy balance?

Not sure what happened there!