Inspiration for Originality

Have you struggled with inspiration that leads to originality? Do you feel stifled in your current role?

As the leader in your organization remember to lean into Q1 Relational Nutrients from Dr. Townsend which are acceptance, attachment, validation, identification, containment, and comfort. Right now America is going through the “GreatResignation” by Erica Pandey. This will be devastating for many organizations as they struggle with how to retain and hire talent. As a leader, you will set the tone on whether people leave or encourage their friends to come and work with you. This will be remembered and engraved on your team.

How long has it been since you received encouragement or inspiration to take a risk and be original? Has it been a month, 6 months, 10 years? What you say to people is a 10x multiplier as the leader, your team will remember what you say. In fact experts say it takes four positive comments to offset one negative comment. Just to stay neutral will take a ratio of 4 to 1. However, many employees are tired of neutral and want something different. With your customers and team, create Raving Fans as coined by Townsend Institute Fellow Dr. Ken Blanchard, help them become overwhelmed with excitement about the mission, vision, and culture that has been created.

Also, remember to celebrate publicly and privately with your team, don’t just move on after a win. People want to be recognized and taking a few minutes to celebrate a big product launch, successful program, or learning a new skill is critical. They are spending prime hours and years of their life in your organization, make sure to honor that commitment.

One client shared how their manager continually took credit for their ideas and initiatives, which stifled her trust and originality within the department. She finally decided that this situation was not going to change so she transferred to another department and they found out she is a high capacity leader. The former supervisor couldn’t perform without her support and is not with the company any longer. As you think about leading others, how can you make sure they feel supported when they succeed and or fail? Living in the world of abundance instead of scarcity will give your team freedom.

God has blessed each of us uniquely and this is talked about in 1 Corinthians 12:19: “If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts,yet one body.” I am grateful that everyone isn’t like me…that would not be a smooth running machine. The goal of a leader is to help others grow and see how God has gifted them in their vocation. Look for ways to give Quadrant 1 Relational Nutrients that inspire your team and then celebrate their originality as they drive your team forward. 

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