A Question of Inspiration

LinkedIn has a running series called "What Inspires Me" with responses from prominent influencers as to what inspires them. It has been delightful reading, but to be honest, however, some of them I thought were concepts rather than personal items of inspiration. But I can be like that – taking a word to its literal meaning and easily finding fault when I believe it has been used incorrectly or out of context.

Then I read a blog by Jim Sniechowski, PhD, on this very topic. Awesome! I’m not alone in my thinking. In his blog, which was about defining what inspires him, he defines what inspiration is. The word “inspire” is defined as (his paraphrase):

•  to arouse feelings and/or action 
• a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul
•  to breathe life into
•  “Animate” was another word that appeared in the definitions and it was defined as:
• to fill with courage or boldness
•  to create liveliness

As he states it, this is the lens we should be looking through when seeking what inspires us.

So a better question is to ask is “what in my experience of being alive consistently moves me to feel something, or take an action, or breathes life into me?”

One of the qualities of a great leader is that they inspire others to act. Contrast inspiration with motivation, and you will see there is a distinct difference. Motivation is the purpose, the reason, and/or the motive to act. Many leaders motivate, which is appropriate and necessary, but fall short of providing the inspiration to go along with it. Many workers today are motivated, but wholly remain uninspired.

As a leader, do you move your team to feel something; do you fill them with courage or boldness; do you breathe life into them at work?

Something to consider: instead of asking your direct reports as to what inspires them at work, how about asking them how you inspire them at work. It’s OK if you don’t. Then you’ll know where to start.

Question: What in your experience of being alive consistently moves you to feel something or take an action or breathes life into you?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’d like to know what you think. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below.