As I reflect on my journey from a Chief Human Resources Officer to an advocate for happiness at work, I’ve come to realize that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about guiding oneself. Inspirational leadership is a voyage from good to great, and what sets inspiring leaders apart is their approach to this journey. Through my experiences and the solutions I offer, I’ve identified key aspects that define an exceptional leader. Today, I want to share these insights, blending my personal narrative with the wisdom I’ve garnered along the way.
You’ve seen them—the leaders who walk into a room and instantly, the air changes. Teams hang on to their every word, not because they have to, but because they want to. What’s their secret? It’s not what you think! It’s not a high IQ, not about authority, titles, or hierarchy. It’s wisdom—pure, unadulterated wisdom.
Wisdom: The untold essence of inspirational leadership
Wisdom is about turning the leadership game on its head by choosing empathy over ego and servant leadership over dictatorship. Forget the “I know it all” attitude; the real MVPs of leadership know that their journey is not about academic knowledge or professional achievements; it’s about self-awareness, growth, and the relentless pursuit to become the best version of oneself.
I learned this the hard way. Early in my career, I leaned heavily on my accomplishments, believing they were enough to navigate any challenge. However, I quickly realized that real wisdom is about moving beyond the ego and recognizing that our experiences are limited. When we start this journey of self-improvement, our mindset evolves, enabling us to influence others positively and lead with empathy.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Life
Here’s the elephant in the room: leadership is more than chasing the next promotion or padding your bank account. It’s about your health, your relationships, and yes, even your happiness. Ironically, most people out there are on the fast track to burnout city with all work and no play. I’ve seen many leaders, including myself at a point in time, focused so intensely on professional growth, that they forget to live. Fast forward a few years, and it’s not just their personal life that’s in shambles—their professional productivity takes a nosedive too. Imbalance leads to stress, strained relationships, and health issues, ultimately affecting your ability to lead effectively.
Integrative leadership, as I like to call it, is about incorporating a holistic approach— looking at leadership not through a single dimension but considering all aspects of life and fixing your basic habits, like your sleep routine, your daily rituals, your health, behaviors, and mindfulness. And it’s also about ensuring that the purpose for which you’re earning money is being met. This holistic perspective encourages leaders to see their team members’ lives holistically, through a comprehensive lens, rather than just focusing on output, creating an environment where people are valued in all their dimensions.
Real Inspirational Leadership: Satya Nadella
Need proof that this holistic, wisdom-centric approach works? Look no further than Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft. It wasn’t his technical prowess that did it; it was his leadership philosophy—servant leadership rooted in empathy, growth, humility, and a genuine care for his team. This human-first approach significantly impacted the company’s culture and success. And THIS is the X factor that can turn a struggling organization into a flourishing one.
Still skeptical? Let’s talk stats. Did you know that companies with highly engaged teams show a 21% increase in profitability (Gallup)? Or that 90% of employees believe empathetic leadership inspires positive change, trust, loyalty, and higher job satisfaction. These are hard, undeniable facts.
The Power of Influence: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek said it best: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” This is the heart of inspirational leadership. It’s not about the speech you give; it’s about the actions you take and the reasons behind them. Inspirational leaders know this. They live their ‘why,’ and in doing so, they inspire those around them to do the same.
From Theory to Practice, Do You Think You Need Coaching?
Here’s the twist: even the best leaders can’t go it alone. They need a sounding board, a strategist, and yes, a coach. Why? Because the journey to inspirational leadership is filled with challenges that are as unique as they are complex.
Often, leaders find themselves in a paradox, bearing the weight of their status and the silence that comes with it. The struggles are real, yet the avenues to discuss them openly are limited. Feedback from the system is often sparse, and development needs can accumulate, unnoticed, until they burgeon into significant challenges. Caught off guard by issues they were unaware of or thought manageable, leaders face harsh consequences.
This is where I come in. In addition to coaching, I offer comprehensive training programs designed to empower leaders. With a focus on developing a Wisdom Mindset, Inspiring Human-Centric Behaviours, and fostering Success and Happiness Habits, my approach goes beyond traditional coaching.
My coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s a Teach-Coach model tailored to you—to your challenges, goals, and journey. I begin by teaching the foundational principles of wisdom, empathy, and holistic growth. From there, we move into coaching, where these concepts are applied to real-world challenges, ensuring that you not only understand these principles but live them.
Through a 3D Solution Framework —Discovery, Design, and Delivery, I help leaders identify their problem areas, focus on habits and mindsets, and implement practical strategies. This approach has helped many leaders enhance their effectiveness, resolve conflicts, and inspire their teams to greatness.
Are You Ready to Lead Like Never Before?
Leadership isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the bold, and those willing to go on that solo journey of self-discovery and holistic growth. As leaders, we must remember that our influence extends beyond our professional achievements. It’s about how we live our lives, treat those around us, and contribute to a happier, more productive workplace.
Are you ready to transform? Ready to make leadership not just something you do, but something you live?
Reach me @: sriram@ourhappinessmatters.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.