Every business owner or executive who supervises others must be prepared to motivate, requiring you to create loyal customers and workers who link themselves to your higher cause, you know, your vision.
External incentives or benefits are insufficient. True leaders create followers who are inspired - not simply swayed by marketing or hype. Their willingness to act is rooted in a deeply personal cause that is greater than themselves - even if it means making a personal sacrifice.
The leaders who helped create the iPhone, iPod and iPad don’t inspire employees with money, gym facilities or company picnics. They inspire their employees to care about why.
Recent research with the Leadership Circle respondent’s has identified five core Daily Reflective Questions successful leaders regularly consider:
1. As a leader, what does my business most need of me?
2. What are the most important projects that I need to complete today/this week/ this month/ this year?
3. How do I ensure my time is used most effectively today?
4. As a leader, whom do I need to help develop today?
5. As a leader, how do I ensure I am not the blocker?
As for customers, never mistake repeat business for loyalty. Repeat business means people do business with you multiple times.
Loyalty means people are willing to turn down a better offer to continue doing business with you.
Studies have shown that more than 80 percent of Australian employees don’t believe they’re working in their dream jobs. What if leaders could change this?
People who love going to work are more creative and productive. They go home feeling satisfied and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and customers better. Inspired people are the glue that holds strong companies together, while also increasing bottom lines.
Inspired employees care because you care.
You know you’ve succeeded when employees’ beliefs resonate with your own, when they demonstrate their loyalty and when they’re willing to turn down better offers or other options.
