"Whatever you do, Inspire me" (Bill Hybels)

Just a reminder for myself.. (got this from here)

When we see someone who has overcome great odds, we feel many things, and often "inspired". Inspiration is a critical topic for leaders to address. The subject is complex, broad and deep.

There are four big questions to address.
Question #1. How big a deal is inspiration?
Various studies on the performance of motivated vs not motivated employees attribute a 40% differential in performance. Other benefits -- less sickness, more energy, less conflict.
Conclusion: Motivation matters.

Question #2. Who's job is it to keep the senior leader inspired?
In early years, Bill thought it was the responsibility of others. But ... Then he realized it was his problem and responsibility. He can't blame anyone else for his flagging spirit -- but will do self-leadership to stay and lead in an inspired state.
No one wants to follow a leader who is moping around.

To stay inspired:
(1) Stay clear on the mission -- what's he doing it for

(2) Ensure he is leveraging his gifting and working to his strengths

(3) Ensure that the players on his team are inspiring people -- people who will inspire you whenever you are with them.

(4) Read good books, like biographies of great people

(5) Hang out with exceptionally inspiring people whenever possible. He has to take the initiative and effort to make this happen.

(6) Participate in exceptionally inspiring events. Particularly likes working with small groups. Find things that "charge up your batteries"

(7) Pay attention to physical disciplines -- exercise, diet, rest. Can make a 20% difference in performance.

(8) Pay attention to his work environment and surroundings. His workspace can add to his motivation or detract from it. Needs things and surroundings that lift his spirit. Eg, art work, plaques. What do you have in your work place that inspires you?

(9) Have an inspiring recreation life outside of work. Things that lift your spirit, eg, for Bill, being near water or boating.

(10) Practicing daily spiritual disciplines that keeps his faith fresh. Eg, saturation reflection on one chapter of the Bible.

For the above points, it's own responsibility. There's a price to pay for this.

Question #3. What is the best way to motivate people around you?
The single best way to pump up others is to live a motivated life in front of others. It's a force multiplier (per Colin Powell).

Few other ideas:
(1) connect your followers to a compelling cause, a grander vision -- convince them of their ennobling contribution,
(2) find out how people want to be inspired, and then talk their inspiration language,
(3) identify and reduce every demotivating dynamic we possibly can -- even high performing employees will leave if demotivating dynamics are not eliminated, and
(4) celebrate every sign of progress toward the shared goal -- eg, reaching interim milestones.

Question #4. What would an organization look like when everyone was inspired?
Everyone would be pumped up, everyone would have passion for the mission, people would work together with excellence. The reputation of the organization would go up, and people would want to join.

Within a church context, see Acts 2.