Wind in Sails:
Wind in Sails: 4 Ways to Instill Passion in Those Around You
Each Person is a Sailboat
If each person where a sailboat, passion would be the wind that propels them forward. One of the best things a leader can do is increase the passion of those around them for what they are already achieving. They breath passion into people by being passionate themselves and they draw passion out of people with strategic rhythms. Organizations will grow and develop, but they will never be stronger than the passion of those leading the organization. It is essential then to develop the skill of instilling heart, passion, and courage in those you lead or serve with. Below are four ways to push wind into the sails of those around you.
One last thing before I share. This post assumes that the people around you have a sail that is up. Other things are needed for those whose sails have been broken. Check out the Repair Dreams post to find out how to help of those whose sails have been broken.
4 Ways to Fill Someone's Sails
Resources
One of the primary ways that a leader can add wind into the sails of another is to resource them. This means that the leader leverages her influence, money, time and status in order to provide opportunities that would normally not be available to the person. There are few things as powerful for someone then to have a leader support them at this level. If someone is already winning, they will feel inspired by the passion you carry for them to succeed.
Coaching
Coaching is the ability to come alongside another person and ask questions that help them process where they want to go and how to get there. Taking an hour to listen to the other person and ask powerful questions will not only make the one being invested in feel validated, but will also help them to think through a strategic plan that moves their area forward. Your role will be to help them have clarity in the path forward. Coaching is a skill set that will help put wind into your people's sails.
Equipping/Training
I will never forget my first leadership conference. The principles that I learned those few days are still thing that impact my life today. Productivity is in direct correlation to the level of training someone has received. If the person you seek to invest in is doing well at their current level of training think what they could do with more equipping! It's important to not be stingy here, you will only be hurting yourself and your organization. Invest in the training of someone and the wind in their sail will increase.
Accountability
This is not micromanaging. This is helping the person identify what they want to achieve and then having scheduled check-ins which will help them create deadlines and create urgency. Accountability is life-giving to leaders because they know what is at stake without it and what is expected because of it. People around you will thrive with regular rhythms and check-ins. Good plans without accountability simply remain good plans.
Fill Their Sails
Leadership is not about position, it is about influence. Leverage everything you have for the benefit of others and you will win, fail to do this and you will contribute to the burnout of those around you and the eventual demise of the organization. What things have you done that have bolstered passion in the people around you? Comment below!