When was the last time you were inspired? Bottom Line By Michael Gunther

Michael guntherBottom Line
By Michael Gunther

I believe we can have a propensity to look at what isn’t working or what problem needs to be solved in our work and, sometimes, our personal life.
I hear business owners often discussing the issues or problems with their teams or organization. I too, at times, find myself distracted — evaluating where my life and my business are, and frustrated they are not where I want them to be against my goals.
Is it human nature to be constantly assessing and judging the situations we are in to determine their relevance to our perceived ideal reality?
You may be wondering, “What’s this have to do with being inspired?” I believe we have the ability to shift what we choose to focus on within our businesses and lives. By doing so, you may be surprised at what you find.
When was the last time you identified all the things your team is doing well and was inspired by their actions? Have you taken a moment to assess the evolution in your own life in order to appreciate your own progress?
As leaders, our jobs can be tough. We are expected to stay calm in a storm, keep a steady course, always be positive and support our teams even when we might not be up for the challenge. We are only human after all.
I have recently discovered that by attempting to identify something to be inspired by every day, it has begun to shift my thinking, as well as my satisfaction in my personal and professional lives.
I’ll bet that if you truly tried every day to find something your team does that inspires you, you will find it. It might be the way they handled a situation or jumped in to help a team member in need.
As a leader, you can only inspire others to follow you and your vision if you are inspired yourself. It is your responsibility to keep yourself focused on your team and assist them. Don’t just problem-solve, but build their strengths that will inspire you and them.
What are you doing to find new knowledge or stories to generate excitement or passion for what you are doing; or goals that you are trying to achieve?
The Internet is full of inspirational videos, quotes and stories. How about trying to find one, every day that impacts and inspires you? I have found reading topics that interest me, for example business, psychology and people development, consistently provides a new level of understanding, as well as inspiration.
It could be the little things, such as having coffee on your porch, watching the sun transition throughout the day creating different hues across the landscape, or just being with your loved ones.
Once again, it is your responsibility as leader to continue to explore new approaches and ideas to keep yourself relevant.

Bottom Line
If you’re not inspired, your team will not be inspired. Begin by assessing what types of conversations you are having with your team. Are they issues and problem focused or solution and inspiration focused? You might be surprised.
Lastly, keep yourself inspired by finding something daily that will elevate you and your passions to keep you relevant and driven towards your goals. Be inspired.

This is another article in a series on Michael’s entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family, and his belief in creating a growth company with a work-to-live mentality, has influenced his career. To read the previous articles in this series, see his blog at: www.Collaboration-llc.com. Gunther is founder and president of Collaboration, LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education and consulting services. Learn more at: www.Collaboration-llc.com. Gunther’s column is a regular feature of Tolosa Press.