How to Be a Leader Who “Inspires” and Not “Instructs”

557425DC-462C-47AE-B922-2DED71D4B9B5

Personally, I am still on the journey of trying to become a better leader. In this “journey,” I try to read, ask more experienced people, observe, and discuss.

So, I am sharing my thoughts from this process in hopes that there might be some benefit, God willing. If there is, all praise is due to Allah who lent me His knowledge. All shortcomings are mine, and I sincerely apologize for them.

I decided to write this article because I noticed that many managers or leaders prefer to “instruct” or simply give orders to their teams.

They only focus on making sure subordinates do their jobs as directed without considering the long-term effects. For me, this approach is less effective.
In reality, successful leaders are those who can “inspire,” not merely give instructions.

When we inspire our team, we help them grow, increase their motivation, and turn work into something they enjoy doing, not something they do out of obligation.

As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” The essence of leadership lies in our ability to encourage others to become the best versions of themselves, not just ensuring they complete their assigned tasks.

The Importance of “Inspiring”

When we inspire our team, we help them see the bigger picture. They will be more motivated because they feel like they’re doing something meaningful, not just following orders from the boss.

According to Simon Sinek, author of “Leaders Eat Last,” “A great leader is not just someone who gives orders but someone who creates an environment where the team can work better and feel inspired every day.”

Leaders who inspire also gain trust more easily from their team. People feel safer and more confident with a leader who can guide them toward collective success, not just someone who tells them what to do.

The Downside of “Instructing”

On the other hand, when a leader only knows how to “instruct,” the team will feel pressured and less creative. They may do their job just to meet the orders, without any sense of responsibility or initiative. Over time, they will become bored and lose the drive to contribute more than what is required.

John C. Maxwell, in his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” mentions that a leader who only knows how to give orders will lose connection with their team. He wrote, “Great leaders win the hearts of others, not just command their heads.”

5 Ways to Be a Leader Who “Inspires”

i. Lead by Example, Not Orders
To inspire others, we must lead by example. If we want our team to work effectively, we must be the role model. Leaders need to understand that team members come with various skill sets, mindsets, and backgrounds.

Thus, leaders must continuously coach, guide, and explain so that everyone understands and sees the “journey” we want to take.

Avoid saying things like, “How can they not understand?” or “I’ve already explained, but they don’t get it,”because it’s our job as leaders to ensure they do.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” People are more likely to follow if they see us practicing the principles we preach.

ii. Listen and Understand the Team’s Needs
Leaders who inspire understand the importance of listening. It’s not just about listening to work problems but understanding their personal goals and aspirations.

When the team feels heard, they will be more enthusiastic and confident in contributing.

Stephen R. Covey, in his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” said, “Listen to understand, not to reply.”

iii. Communicate Effectively
Don’t just speak from a directive standpoint. Think about how to communicate with more empathy. When we speak with sincerity from the heart, we get a more positive reaction, and people will trust us more.

Brené Brown, in her book “Dare to Lead,” says that true courage in leadership comes from the ability to show empathy and understand others’ feelings.

iv. Offer Meaningful Recognition
Genuine praise can be a huge source of motivation. It doesn’t need to be a big bonus; sometimes a simple “thank you” or small acknowledgment can make the team feel appreciated and keep their spirits high.

Dale Carnegie, in “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” stated, “People tend to work harder when they feel appreciated and recognized.”

Steve Jobs once said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” This freedom encourages creativity and innovation, creating a more productive and meaningful work environment.

v. Trust the Team to Make Decisions
Leaders who inspire give space and trust their team to solve problems in their own way. When they feel trusted, they become more confident, which indirectly encourages creativity and initiative.

Henry Ford once said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

In conclusion, inspiring is much more effective than merely instructing. When we inspire, we help build a stronger, more dedicated, and creative team. The result is not just more productive work, but a more positive and enjoyable work environment.

So, if you are a leader or aspire to become one, think about how you can inspire those around you. Don’t just give instructions but be a source of inspiration that people can follow and appreciate.

May there be some goodness in this small sharing, InshaAllah.

Leave a Reply