There are so many theories in leadership ranging from vision to self-awareness to service. The simplest way to develop your leadership skills is to have a work ethic mixed with a solid foundation of core values. Inspirational leaders have commandments they work and live by. Commandments, or guidelines, lay the critical foundation for the development of leadership and leadership solutions.

I have my own commandments I work and live by. Though out my career as a college administrator, meeting/event planner, and professional speaker, these commandments have provided inspiration and motivation for my audiences. I would like to share them with you.

Be loving

Among many other lessons of the heart, Leo Buscaglia reminds us “love is open arms. If you close your arms about love you will find that you are left holding only yourself.” Remember, some people are unreasonable and self-centered….love them anyway.

Be a genuine spirit

Quite simply go out and talk to people – listen to what they have to say and what they actually mean. Sometimes those two can be completely different things. Your job is quite simple – there is a beautiful story in everyone, so listen intently with an open mind, try to add value to the conversation wherever you can

Be empathetic

To start using empathy more effectively, put aside your viewpoint, and try to see things from the other person’s point of view. Then validate the other person’s perspective and examine your own attitude. Perhaps you are more concerned with being right rather than finding a solution or accepting others as they are. Listen with your heart to determine what the other person feels.

Be generous

Business and personal relationships are everything. Every relationship needs to be a two way street. However, before a relationship can be formed, you need to give with zero expectation of receiving anything.

Be consistent

Leaders are always performing on stage like an actor on a stage. You must consistently act out your part in front of your audiences. You must lead with high energy, all day, every day. You must protect your personal brand.

Be strong

Inspirational leaders bring a light to someone’s life. You become the message of hope and encouragement to people. Encouragement comes from focusing on the strength of another person to drive their motivation and perform at a higher level which adds value to the organization and your personal brand.

Be truthful

Any leader aspiring to greatness must do two things all the time – listen and tell the truth. Inspirational leaders
own up to their mistakes and correct it as soon as possible.  Do not blame others for your error. And when someone comes up with a brilliant idea, give credit where credit is due. Do not take credit for the idea.

Be articulate

Effective leaders put words together based on the thoughts and needs of others. You must create the whole story out of words
you have collected. Inspirational leaders are able to articulate and clarify what many of us have been thinking on the subject for a long time.

Be inspired

Inspirational leaders seek and inspire excellence, not perfectionism. Go out there and learn so that you can return to your team members and inspire a culture of learning and accountability.

What do your inspirational leadership commandments look like?

Michele Wierzgac, MSEd, speaker and author, promises that you will leave her solution-driven keynotes and workshops with at least one passionate, life transforming, leadership tool – something that will change the way you seek out a solution and practically apply it without getting stuck.

Email Michele at michele@micheleandco.com or give her a call at (708) 710-7055!