Inspiring leader

Musings 1 Minute

Ever worked with a boss who inspired you? They probably did these 5 things.
Imagine you have created a proof of concept for a new solution.

You present it to your leader, let’s call her Sonia. She listens to your presentation and finally says, “I appreciate your efforts in putting this together. However, I am not comfortable with it… I don’t think it will create the necessary impact. Please think this through and come back with a revised approach.”

You walk out with more questions than answers.

Now picture a different leader, Sania. She listens to you and then nudges you to relook at few assumptions, shares a fresh angle based on big picture and challenges you to take the proof of concept to next level.

Who are you likely to find more inspiring? Sonia or Sania?

Sania right? Inspiring leaders don’t just give direction; they energize you and enable you to
➡️ accomplish more than what you thought you could.
➡️ grow in ways you didn’t envisage.
➡️ enjoy the work you do.

I had the privilege of working with few such inspiring leaders. Based on that experience and a recent poll that I ran, here are 5 things that inspiring leaders do differently:

1. They radiate energy – it is contagious ⤵️
It is impossible to be lethargic in their presence. They have their hacks to maintain high energy through the day, be it 15-20 mins power naps or setting boundaries.

2. They genuinely listen – you feel heard ⤵️
With an open mind and undivided attention. No glancing at the phone for messages or calls. They are secure and willing to be challenged.

3. They encourage bold thinking ⤵️
Encourage you to explore new ideas, do things differently. They have your back, it’s OK to fail while working with them.

4. They challenge and stretch your thinking ⤵️
Not with criticism, but with positive nudge – “This is good, what more or different can you do? Think…is it enough?”

5.  They bring fresh ideas / solutions ⤵️
They don’t send you on wild goose chase or give vague advice. Their inputs are practical and helpful. They are well-read with diverse exposure; they connect the dots in ways you hadn’t considered.

Share your experience of working with an inspiring leader.

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Published by Padma Rajeswari

At the outset, I would like to thank you for stopping by my Blog. I believe that there is nothing right or wrong in this world. What’s right in this moment and context may be wrong in another moment and context. This belief has inspired me to name my blog ‘Perspectives’. Perspectives is a platform for me to share my experiences, thoughts and perspectives on various subjects. You may have a different point of view. I look forward to hearing them, these are the triggers for rich and deep conversations. On personal front, I live in Mumbai, India. I love to read; Somerset Maugham and Nevil Shute are my favorite authors. My favorite books are The Razor’s Edge, Mrs. Craddock, Chequer Board and Gone with the Wind. I am thankful to my father who inculcated the habit of reading in me early on. I am also passionate about traveling, I have been to most parts of India and to several countries across the globe. On professional front, I work in Human Resources function. Over two and half decades, I have worked across multiple industries and cultures. I focus on Leadership Development, Talent Management, Visioning and Culture, Large-scale change, Employee Listening & Engagement, Employee Well-being, Inclusive work culture, HR effectiveness, Behavior and Mind-set shifts through sustained interventions I currently lead Organization Effectiveness Function for Aditya Birla Group, a $44.3 billion conglomerate with 120000 employees across 35 countries. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading my blog. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you!

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