Do you know leaders who score a perfect 10 professionally – but completely fail on a human level? Unfortunately, these “old-school” leaders are still everywhere.The truth is: nowadays, people follow people – not positions. And when a person doesn’t feel seen, heard, or respected, they will eventually leave their role or the company. So what do you need to truly inspire people as a leader of today – and take them with you on the journey? What does it take to lead people instead of just managing them?
The most important thing is: you need energy yourself. Because what you send out is what comes back. If you don’t have power and energy, you can’t expect it from the people who work with you or for you.
Next, it’s essential to have a vision – and to make sure everyone knows it. A vision shows the direction of your daily actions. What is the one headline that brings everyone together, unites them, and ensures you are all moving toward the same goal? Or in other words: the answer to the question of why you get up in the morning.
Because energy without a vision burns out. And a vision without energy keeps you stuck where you are instead of moving you forward. If your energy level and your vision are aligned, and you want a team that supports you, achieves goals with you, stands by your side, and follows you… Then be there for your team first.
You love them. You support them. You encourage them. In English, we talk about the three “I’s”: Improve, Increase, and Influence.
How to improve?
Help people deal better with their everyday lives. Everyone brings their personal challenges to work. Support your team in handling those challenges. Then their focus will be where it should be: on the work.
How to increase?
Find out whether it’s a competence or a motivation issue. If someone used to perform well and suddenly doesn’t anymore, it’s usually not a lack of competence – but a lack of motivation.
How to influence?
Find out what your team member’s dream is. Build a real connection. And then help that person move closer to that dream – faster and easier.
How?
By encouraging them, helping them believe in themselves, and showing them how to deal better with resistance and rejection.
My mentor Les Brown always spoke about “greatness.” See the greatness in others. Look at every person and recognize the best in them. And your most important job as a leader should be to help others bring out that best – and use it for the good of the company.
But let’s look at reality: Great people are often burned out and held small. Out of fear that someone might be faster, smarter, or more capable – and eventually take your position. If you approach people with that mindset, you’re not showing leadership strength – but deep insecurity. Because when it’s about your ego – and not about the person – it’s clear why no one wants to follow you.
And that’s exactly why it’s so challenging to truly lead people… instead of just managing them. Because it’s always about the person behind the position, I truly love what I do.
Everything I do – and how I do it – is about helping people gain more confidence and giving them tools to become the best version of themselves.
Because someone who is fully in their power and loves their life will naturally support with full energy the mission that aligns with their personal vision. And how powerful would it be if that mission is the vision of the company?
