A Leader’s 5 Cs Formula to Inspire Others

Nitin’s introduction:

Ability to inspire others is a critical test of a leader. To achieve outstanding results in an increasingly complex world in the digital age, you need to go beyond just managing the organization and its people efficiently. You need to touch people at a deep level where they get inspired from within. Inspiration is the elixir that helps individuals go beyond their ordinary limits and achieve great results. And, it is not just about results and performance. Inspiration is also the spark that helps people rise and realize their full potential. This aspect is very precious. I believe that helping others realize their full potential is one of the biggest contributions that any human can make. Truly, the ability to inspire is a necessary requirement for a leader to go from Good to Great!

So, how do great leaders inspire others?

1. Cause—Identify and champion a cause or vision that makes a real difference. A cause that goes beyond the routine and touches an emotional chord. A cause that is meaningful today and will lead to a better tomorrow. Great leaders focus on the ‘why’, the purpose. Once the purpose is clear, the means follow. A powerful purpose can help bring disparate individuals together as a team and galvanize them to go beyond their ordinary limits.
2. Care—Leadership is not about the leader but about leading. It is not about your own dreams but about touching and bringing to life the silent dreams of others. Develop a genuine interest and empathy for others, understand their goals and aspirations, and look to contribute to their progress. Suspend your self-interest; ask not what you are getting from any situation but what you are giving to it. As you give, you get a lot more in return. When you go beyond your self-interest and tap into what matters to others, you will build their trust and they will willingly go the extra mile for you.
3. Courage—You can inspire others only when you are inspired yourself. Walk the talk and have passion for the cause at hand. Take risks and say what you mean. Any worthwhile cause will face some roadblocks. Opposition and challenges are the real tests for a leader, his or her moment of truth. You need to have the spine to stand up for your beliefs and your people. You have to persevere in the face of difficulties and not give up. That is crucial for your credibility. People will observe your approach, and your personal example of courage and commitment will ignite those around you.
4. Communication—Connect directly with people and get your message across yourself. Don’t depend only on formal channels (which are often impersonal) or on others to carry your message.
   People need to see and hear you for themselves. You need to touch both hearts and minds. For that to happen, it is not your polish but your authenticity and intent that matter. Communicate often and do it with warmth and openness. Moreover, do not just talk but also listen. Listening is even more critical for a leader. You will learn a lot and others will feel valued. Listen with sincerity and patience and follow up on your conversations.
5. Character—All your great work as a leader can be undone by a single moment of indiscretion on your part. Integrity is the glass mirror which, once broken, can never be repaired. Always strive to do the right thing. However, recognize that as human beings we are fallible, there is both good and bad within us. Many great leaders fall because they become arrogant, stop listening and lose touch with the people. Always stay humble and grounded. Humility will earn you love and respect from people. It will also allow you to listen better and avoid making big mistakes.

Nitin’s conclusion:

I hope these ‘5 Cs’ will help you hone your own leadership skills and inspire those around you. While I have shared a framework with you, I want to emphasize that leadership is about finding your own personal style. There is no right or wrong style. A leader needs to be authentic and true to himself or herself. Each of us has unique strengths and views of the world based on our life experiences. Your formula for inspiring others could well be very different from mine. So, learn from others but dig within yourself and find your own formula. That is your best chance of success. Finally, please remember that leadership is a journey. You are not born a leader, but you realize the leader within you with your actions. So, just focus on your karma as a leader and you will find yourself continuing to grow as an inspiring one.

Suggested Video(s)