Billionaire executive and leader Sheryl Sandberg is quoted as saying,
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."
This quote seems to stand in contrast to the wisdom of the day that asserts that we can’t make people change. Of course, this is usually in reference to romantic relationships and not necessarily to business ones. However, I think we’re all aware that interpersonal conflicts with others are a primary source of strife in our lives.
You may be able to reason with some and receive empathy from others, but by and large, we cannot make someone change. We can’t make them better unless that is what they want for themselves.
That said, in leadership, we have a unique calling to consider. So how do leaders make people be better, shoot higher, and work harder?
First things first: what doesn’t work?
There are two primary “strategies” that do not work in an effort to change someone’s behaviors. We see this true of the workplace as well as the home.
Being nice doesn’t work. I know we all wish that kind works and polite suggestions make for change, but the truth is, someone who won’t change doesn’t value your opinion or desires enough to do it, regardless of how nice you are. I’m not suggesting you be mean or rude, but I am saying that being nice in and of itself is not enough to inspire real change in others.
Being too persistent. Nagging will hurt any relationship more than it helps. In fact, being too overbearing with your requests and reminders can sour that person on doing it at all. Most people take this route — seeing it as making friendly suggestions and reminders — but others are quickly grated by these tactics.
So as a leader, how do you inspire other people to change? I think Sheryl Sandberg’s assessment is spot-on: this is what leadership is about. It is possible.
4 Leadership Tactics that Inspire Lasting Change
1) Have a real vision.
I’ve stressed this before, but as leaders, we have to have a clear and defined vision. It’s impossible to sell others on following you, let alone on change if you do not have a vision worth seeing. More than some overarching vision, we need a way to get there. Part of what helps people move and change is a clear goal in the distance. Are you giving them something real and tangible to work for, or a lofty, undefined ideal?
2) Build trust.
Trust is essential if you want to influence others. Building trust takes time, but it is rooted in the principles of honesty and integrity. It is valuing others for who they are, not just what they can do for you. Trust comes when you show that you will engage with others, view them as equals, and value their contributions. And most of all, you build trust when you accomplish what you say you are going to accomplish.
3) Be attentive.
An attentive nature is crucial in quality leadership. It’s our ability to recognize problems, pick out details, and see people and their work. In leadership, we need this skill in order to operate smoothly. After all, when we can see and solve the problems holding up back, it can be an inspiration to others. This attentiveness doesn’t solely refer to outside problems, either. Your attentiveness should extend clearly to introspection and self-improvement.
4) Inspire others.
I know, I know. Saying “inspire others” seems a bit glib and unactionable. However, inspiration is perhaps one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. It doesn’t just happen overnight — the previous three points are essential to master if you hope to be an inspiration. You inspire others by how you lead, live, and treat others. The idea is that you, as a leader, have this magnetic presence that others cannot deny. The way you live and think is so attractive that others can’t help but follow.
Inspiring others isn’t a passive act, either, though it can certainly be part of it. We must identify the other person’s priorities and passions and use them for our advantage and their best outcome. What do they care about? How can your lens help them achieve their goals?
You can directly inspire others by simply being a good team player — one who gives and values advice from others. Your goals should feel collaborative and mutually beneficial rather than self-serving. When they are, you’re sure to get others on board.
Do you believe great leadership inspires personal change? Share your thoughts in the comments.