In the Role of a Leader, You Have the Power to Motivate or Irritate. It's All Up to You
If you've ever had a coach or teacher who made you want to give up, versus someone who truly inspired you to reach new heights, you're not alone. Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist and professor, dives into this topic in his new book, "Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself & Others."
Galinsky, who is a professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia Business School, has spent a quarter-century researching what makes a leader successful. He has discovered that there are three universal dimensions of inspiring leaders: the Visionary, the Exemplar, and the Mentor.
The Visionary dimension involves having a clear and optimistic vision for the future. This fulfills the human need for meaning and purpose. Visionary leaders see the big picture and can inspire others with their optimism and sense of direction.
The Exemplar dimension is about demonstrating the desired behavior ourselves. It satisfies the human need for protection and passion. Exemplar leaders are calm and confident in stressful situations, and they lead by example. They are authentic and never hypocritical, which helps to build trust with those they lead.
Finally, the Mentor dimension is about interacting with others in a way that empowers and uplifts them. This fulfills the human need for belonging and status. Mentor leaders are empathetic, supportive, and always looking for ways to help their team members grow and succeed.
Galinsky also discusses the "Leader Amplification Effect," which means that as a leader, our words and actions have a disproportionate impact on those around us. Constructive comments can have a powerful effect, while critical comments can be devastating.
So how can we use this to our advantage? According to Galinsky, it requires two things: awareness and perspective-taking. We need to be aware of the impact of our words and actions, and we need to try to understand how others might be affected by them.
Galinsky also emphasizes the importance of repetition in communicating a vision. Repeated information is easier to process, and it builds clarity and understanding. He recommends repetition as a tool for leaders, especially in times of stress.
In terms of becoming more visionary, Galinsky suggests reflecting on our values and goals, and integrating them into a vivid and engaging idea. He also emphasizes the importance of empowering and lifting up others as a mentor.
If you're interested in learning more about Galinsky's research and insights, his book is definitely worth a read. He shares stories and examples from his own experiences as well as those of other successful leaders, and he provides practical tips for how we can all become more inspiring leaders in our own lives.
Galinsky, being a mentor himself in the workplace, often uses his leadership role to inspire those around him. His courageous approach to leadership has inspired many to dream bigger and aim for ups in their careers. His mentorship relationship with his students and colleagues is marked by his ability to empower and uplift them, enabling them to reach new heights. His book, "Inspire," further explores how exemplar leaders like him can lead by example, demonstrating the desired behavior and building trust through authenticity. As a social psychologist and professor, Galinsky's influence extends beyond the classroom, inspiring others to adopt a mentor-like approach in their leadership roles.
