5 Ways to Stay Inspired
Paul Smith is the Sales Director of a leading technology company. He has been in the industry for the last ten years and has been a star in various sales and marketing roles.
His recent promotion finds him managing managers. His leadership style has always been one of pace-setting and leading by example. Having just gone through a sales force downsizing, Paul has adopted an inspirational leadership style.
Many say they lead by inspiration or strive to inspire excellence in sales. But what exactly does it mean to “inspire?” The word inspiration comes from the Latin word “spiarae,” meaning to breathe and live. It is defined as
- To stimulate to action; motivate
- To affect or touch
To this effect, Paul has worked very hard over the last six months to win the hearts of his sales management team and sales force. He has tried to connect with all members of the teams personally. He has met face-to-face with every rep in the sales force and has also met with many of the key opinion leaders. Positive comments like “this is the first time a sales director has met with me” and endless requests to meet with customers have been encouraging signs for Paul that this approach has merit.
As he has evolved from a manager to a leader, Paul recognizes that inspiring his team is the best way to achieve extraordinary results. Paul has always been a dynamo and a self-starter, continually pushing himself to perform. As a result of his drive and enthusiasm, he has quickly been promoted into roles of greater responsibility. He has developed innovative sales programs and conducted exciting sales meetings that leave reps feeling highly motivated. He takes the time to recognize his people by sending encouraging notes and making inspirational speeches at sales meetings.
Paul is the type of leader that can motivate the people around him to achieve extraordinary results.
Let’s See How Paul’s Organization Inspires Him
Sales leaders are responsible for meeting company revenue targets, motivating their teams and ensuring customer satisfaction. Interestingly, most large organizations make it difficult for these people to make a difference. They burden sales leaders with support from people who complicate decision-making, put up roadblocks and prevent innovation—the decision-making power shifts from these leaders to support positions with little contact with the customers.
Despite Paul developing some innovative programs, Paul and his team routinely come up against bureaucracy and roadblocks. In Paul’s case, there are several non-performing sales reps on the team whom Paul would love to fire. HR and legal mandate that these reps be put on a performance improvement program for at least six months, and Paul knows that this will only continue to impact sales performance negatively.
Paul has found that even the smallest initiatives require discussions and approvals, which continually drain his energy.
As a result, organizations inadvertently sap the enthusiasm and energy of their top leaders, leaving them frustrated, burnt out and ready to go.
Who does Paul share his frustrations with? Where does he go for inspiration?
His boss is too busy and only reaches out when sales are down or there is n issue. In his present position, his boss is no longer an option. Paul’s boss has his issues to deal with, and he expects Paul to identify the problem and solve them. The last thing Paul wants is to appear that he is not on top of his business.
His Peers – Early in his career, Paul had many peers with whom he could discuss his frustrations. Now they are distrustful and battle with him for resources and recognition.
His Direct Reports – Paul wants to shield them from bigger issues.
His Spouse – Paul’s spouse will listen to his problems, but even though she is sympathetic, she is not in any position to assist him.
His Coach – This is the best place to start. Paul’s coach can provide him with a non-judgemental sounding board. All discussions are held in confidence. His coach is a friend, motivator and mentor. Paul reaps the benefits of having a coach. He leaves sessions energized, inspired and more confident to tackle his most critical issues.
5 Ways to stay inspired in a non-supportive high-stress environment:
1. Hire an executive coach – Coaching provides executives with ongoing learning, focus, and personal accountability for development and inspiration. Executives who experience the power of coaching swear by it! It is the best way for executives to stay focused and inspired.
2. Read inspirational books – There are many leadership and self-help books on the market. Find the one that speaks to you. Sharpening your skills by continuous reading helps stimulate new ideas and reinforce the wonderful things you are doing.
3. Take mental breaks – Take a day off to extend your weekend. Take one day for yourself and reflect on your priorities and personal goals. Getting perspective helps you stay focused and inspired.
4. Exercise and eat well – A dose of healthy living, including regular exercise and diet, help recharge your batteries and is a proven stress buster. Personal health is usually one of the first things that go by the wayside in a hectic lifestyle. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
5. Take a leadership course – Ongoing development is a good source of inspiration and learning. External courses allow leaders to interact with like-minded executives and gain different perspectives.
Regardless of which options you choose, it is essential that you stay motivated because your people need your energy as a source of inspiration.
Good luck, and stay inspired!
