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People who are competent, clearly motivated by their job and fun to be with are a great source of inspiration to others. Follow these top tips to help you to set a good example at work.
Work on Your Relationships
- Take the time to speak to colleagues. This can be as simple as saying “good morning” first thing and asking how people are doing from time to time.
- Manage your mood. Most of the time you really can decide whether to be in a good or bad mood. Try to be positive and upbeat around the workplace and, importantly, smile (but not in a false way).
- Foster relationships by taking an interest in, and getting to know, your colleagues. Try to find some common ground with others and to liven up the working environment, even if it's just a five minute chat about the TV last night.
- If people come to you for something, stop what you are doing, give them your full attention, and do what you can to help them. Also, offer others help when you feel it is appropriate. For example, if you know a colleague is working on a particular project and you have some information that might help them out, let them know.
Lead by Example
- If you are positive, those around you are more likely to be positive as well. Don’t complain to others about negative aspects of your work or get drawn into office gossip – this just serves to foster a negative environment and bring others and yourself down.
- If there really are issues that you feel particularly negative about, think about what action you can take to change them. If others around you spend a lot of time complaining, encourage them to take positive practical steps to address and deal with their issues.
- Go to work motivated and inspired. Take a couple of extra minutes in the morning to get yourself prepared for the day. Think about all the things you like about your job and all the things you are going to achieve.
- Be fully engaged when you are at work. If you throw yourself into your work, you will achieve more. Not only can this develop confidence in your ability, but you can achieve a greater sense of satisfaction and motivation at work.
Inspire Confidence
If others are confident in you, they are more likely to take note of what you say and be willing to work towards common goals. To inspire confidence in others, you must appear confident and capable. To demonstrate this:
- know your stuff
- be organized
- ensure your work is always of high quality
- be flexible and adaptable
- keep your emotions under control, e.g. by not appearing flustered and keeping your anger in check
Communicate Well
- Make sure people are clear about what you are trying to achieve. Good quality written and oral communication is key to getting across messages and instructions.
- Explain the benefits – people will be more motivated if they feel there is a purpose to their work.
- Give recognition and thanks for a job well done, and provide positive feedback on specific things people have done well (e.g. coming up with solutions to difficult problems, handling tricky customers, producing high quality work, achieving sales targets). Also offer constructive criticism where it is needed, and work together with your team to find ways to improve and develop their skills.
Relax and Have Fun
One of the most inspirational qualities a person can have is being fun to be with. Take time out to relax and enjoy the company of your colleagues. Taking your job seriously doesn't mean it has to be dull. Always make yourself available to people who need help, inject play or humor wherever appropriate and present yourself as a well-balanced, capable operator by managing your stress levels.
