Influencing Others Through an Inspirational Leadership Approach

Influencing others is an essential component of leadership. Depending on the audience, the nature of the request, the context of the situation or the desired outcome, there are a variety of tactics managers use to influence their followers. Some are more simple and straightforward; others are more complex and require a deeper understanding of the people they are trying to influence.

Research shows the most effective tactic to gain commitment from followers is the use of what’s called “inspirational appeals,” or using personal values and vision to inspire others. But it’s easier said than done.

As a matter of fact, this tactic is actually the least-frequently used. So, how can leaders effectively tap into the emotions and values of their team members to inspire them to act?

Think of a leader you find to be exceptionally inspirational. What makes him/her effective? I think of someone who has a powerful sense of direction, builds trusting relationships by listening and communicating and has a positive outlook on the future.

While there is no universal answer, Bain & Company identified 33 traits of inspirational leaders — some include empathy, optimism, assertiveness, openness and empowerment. Through their study, centeredness was the one trait survey respondents identified as the trait that mattered most to being an inspirational leader. It refers to the ability to remain calm under stress, empathize with others, listen and be present. Being centered allows you to respond to situations more intentionally and strategically. It is a core element of inspirational leadership.

People commit to leaders they trust and connect with. As a leader, centeredness allows you to build stronger connections, empathize and foster trusting relationships. In stressful situations, being centered helps to pause and decide the most appropriate course of action. It supports your ability to inspire others — and as we know, inspirational leaders tend to be effective influencers.

So, next time you need to influence others to act, consider tapping into their values and emotions through inspirational appeals.

To learn more about the social influence tactics, check out this article: The Art of Influencing Others.

References

1. https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-to-be-an-inspiring-leader
2. https://www.bain.com/insights/the-science-of-centeredness
3. https://www.bain.com/insights/how-leaders-inspire-cracking-the-code