Application Story 19: How to Inspire People

Spring is here, and our application stories are continuing to grow, we are in number 19th for the month of April!

In this blog entry, we will be discussing how to continue inspiring people to find their full potential, and to reach their personal and professional goals.  So let me start asking you these questions:

How many of us, feel that we would like to be that person that everyone looks up to or gets ideas from people? Have you ever wanted to be described as helpful and fun?  

I guess all of us want to be considered as someone who can inspire people, how is easy going and approachable, and who is honest and trustworthy with all what they do and say. A person who can inspire someone to take that step, and become happier in life!

Let me tell you, the world is filled with inspirational people. Sometimes we do not need to look any further than within our own circle of family and friends. At other times, we are inspired by those we know only in name. In one case or the other, there is people out there that can inspire us, with a great gesture, a smile, a nice comment, a little encouragement, or a kind hug… whatever it is… we also can be that type of person, that is a skill we can develop!


The good news is that this is a skill that we can develop over the course of our multiple interactions with our people at work and in our personal lives. Inspiring others is not as complicated as you may think. It is a matter of being positive and engaging to help people find their ways in any given situation. Sometimes we do not have the answer; but then again with a positive attitude, a sincere smile, or words of encouragement we can help others regain or find that confidence they need. Off course it is not an easy thing to do, however is a competency that we can develop and become one of the powerful tools or abilities, especially when leading teams and working with others.


Below please find key steps to help us inspire our people: Family, Friends, Coworkers, Team Members, or even people we just met… You Can Do It!

Be friendly. Being friendly doesn't always mean having sleepovers constantly with people you barely know. Just saying you like someone's sweater, or even just saying "hi" to someone can cause them to have a more positive attitude toward you, and maybe even inspire them.


Try your best. This is probably one of the most important steps. Always go into things with good intentions and positive thoughts. Most likely, you'll be admired for your determination and, most likely, will do better. When you lose a soccer game or have a bad day at school or work, try to go through it with a quiet smile and do better next time. Don't blame it all on yourself, nor should you blame it on anyone else. This is common sense, but it's surprising how many people forget how awesome they really are!


Know when to be quiet. You don't always have to talk to inspire people. It's usually your actions that inspire people, not your words.


Be someone you'd want to be around. In other words, be someone that you would enjoy being around. If you don't like how you act, chances are other people won't like you, either.

TIPS:
When interacting with people, keep your expectations realistic, so you can understand people’s points of view and then engage in the conversation sharing your ideas. Open your heart and listen to what that person is trying to tell you. Do not impose!

Try to put yourself on the others person’s shoes. You never know what is behind the other person’s life. Avoid being critical and judgmental. It is not easy but you have to try it!

Do not become too overconfident and let your ego grow. It is not that great be the savvier person, and demonstrate that you are right and they are wrong. That is not OKAY!  True leaders are humble, and honest, that makes them real, and successful.

Do not be afraid to say I don’t know! In fact, you do not need to know everything, and sometimes people are just sharing with you an idea or thought. Just be open to hear…
I ‘m a firm believer that people know the answers, we just need to facilitate the process sometime to help them find what they need.

Do not be afraid to recognize your mistakes or errors. Take them as learning moments! All of them are moments for you to learn or re-learn something.  Confident people know that we learn also from mistakes. That is one of the best ways to learn!

Open your heart to people, look beyond what you see. You may find a great person, a great feeling, a great idea etc.

Do not turn down ideas or thoughts. Listen, and ask for more information if you need further details.

Do not become that negative person, friend or manager who always says NO, or adds a bitter comment or a negative thing to people’s ideas. That will make people avoid you, and stop sharing.

Avoid jealousy feeling. That is not good, and won’t take you anywhere! We should be happy, and celebrate people’s triumphs and excitements.  A true person gets happy for others when great things happen, and encourage them to enjoy the moment.

We are all different and despite our journey, and differences we are all together to live and let live! Have that as a mantra.

And finally, be you!

Action Items:


• Try to remember the feeling you had when inspiring someone to do something, dare to try an idea, or to simply think about it. How do you feel, and what was the outcome?

• What is the top three things you would like to start working on to become more approachable to people when seeking for help, advice, or ideas?

• What else we could do to inspire our friends, kids, family and coworkers?

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. - Harriet Tubman
Enjoy!