Get results through inspiration, not insistence

"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another." - John C. Maxwell

Often we are asked to lead projects, initiatives or causes that require bringing together a team of people for a common goal.  In our crazy world where the pace is the speed of light, we are inundated with more asks than we could ever answer, and personal goals often overshadow the greater good, this can be a tall order.  

The people who succeed consistently do so by inspiring people to jump in the boat with them rather than assigning them an oar and shoving them in.  I've seen a few people in my life do this really well and I aspire to be like them.

It sounds hard; and it is.  But it's worth the effort.  If you have seen the movie Finding Nemo, you know the power of getting the momentum of a group headed in one direction.  It's exponentially more effective than the most valiant efforts of the leader alone.  Also, from my experience, when everyone is pulling, the results will often far exceed the not only the original goal but even what was imagined as possible.

  So, how do we do it?  I'm not entirely sure what the full recipe is, but below are a few principles that feel like the right place to start.

Believe in the mission.
There is nothing less inspiring than a leader whose heart isn't in it.  If you don't believe in what you are doing, nobody else will either.  Have a clear vision of what the mission is, why you care about it, and why others should too.  If you don't have this, start again.

Run up the hill.
Rather than dragging people up the hill, pushing them from behind or running aside screaming for them to go faster, just run ahead.  Chances are good that people will follow you.  Not because they have to, but because they want to.  Being out in front is a risk, but watching from a safe distance is an even bigger one.

Cheer the loudest.
It's important to get momentum, but don't fool yourself into thinking that everything will go smoothly after that.  Stay engaged, celebrate the small victories and keep running, even when you are in quicksand.  Recruit others to join (not replace) you in the effort to keep the team strong and focused.

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes.  It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." - Wade Boggs