Inspiring Others Within the Workplace
If I were asked, “What do you like the most about your job?”, I would easily reply with the following response. I work for an amazing company that has strong leadership and workplace culture; I work with amazing supportive colleagues; I thrive on the responsibilities that my role entails and most importantly I have the opportunity every single day to inspire others!
Certainly, the definition of inspire can have different meanings to different people. For me, I simply try and live by the following quote, “Your life is your message to the world; make sure it is inspiring!” This quote definitely inspires me daily and motivates me to a greater purpose both personally and professionally. Within the workplace, I would like to share some of my favorite ways to inspire others; many of which I have learned from others that have provided inspiration for me.
- Being in a management role for several years, I believe that it is extremely important to be a good example and role model to others. I think most have heard the saying to “lead by example!” Hence, to instill trust by doing what you say you are going to do and practice what you preach. Also, not being afraid to roll up your sleeves and step up to the plate at any given time. It is imperative to be a team player and lend a helping hand wherever it is needed and regardless of the title that your position holds. For those that know me; you will frequently hear me say, “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!”
- Don’t get caught up in workplace drama and cliques. Take Ellen’s advice and simply, “Be KIND to one another!” Always!!! Keeping this in mind, it is also very important to refrain from judging others as you often don’t know their story! Like the saying goes, “what if you were to walk a mile in their shoes?”
- Always be prepared to listen to others and give them your full attention. This is common courtesy and makes people feel respected; like you have time for them and that what they have to say is important and valued. A lot can be learned from others and a mentor of mine once shared that you should always listen to understand and not simply to reply! This is excellent advice from an inspirational mentor that I still have today.
- Don’t ever be afraid to share ideas and express your perspective. Stand tall and have both a strong vision and clear expectations. How can you be inspiring if you are wishy washy and indecisive?
- Dream BIG and reach for the stars! Set goals for yourself and your team and don’t just settle to attain them. Rather, strive to surpass them!
- Live by Core Values. At SRG, those Core Values are referred to as the 5Cs. Be Courteous, Credible, Creative, Compassionate and Collaborative.
- Reward and recognize others for progress and not perfection! Be observant and take time to acknowledge and provide praise to someone that has made progress. Often, this recognition can spark motivation and can inspire that person to make even greater progress. It is the little things that truly are the BIG!
- Understand what is important to your team members and colleagues. What inspires one person doesn’t necessarily motivate and inspire another. An important practice of mine as a Manager is to acquire and sustain a profile for each staff member as to what motivates them; the type of management style they prefer and what type of reward and recognition that they like to receive. This is a practice that I have witnessed other Managers emulate.
- Be passionate about what you do. It can be infectious!!
- Empower others! Identify key strengths in team members and delegate tasks that will play to these strengths. This fosters confidence, helps build self-esteem and can increase work satisfaction. Those that are happier usually are more productive!
- Choose a positive attitude. You make the decision daily to have a good day or a bad day! Make a conscious decision to make it a positive one. Check a poor attitude at the door. Honestly, a positive attitude puts things into a whole different perspective.
- Start each day being grateful.
I had the pleasure of attending an annual Inspiring Women’s networking event in Kitchener last year as a representative of SRG. I couldn’t have agreed more with a statement that was made by one of the guest speakers that day; Lisa Lisson (President of FedEx Express Canada). Her words of wisdom were to “choose your mentors wisely!” It is important to know what your values are and the things that you would like to learn and grow from before choosing your mentor(s). I am extremely grateful to have had/continue to have exceptional mentors during my career path that have provided me with growth, new opportunities and of course inspiration! My special thanks goes out to a few of those workplace mentors: Sherri Stevens, Chris Clarke, Jackie Beynen, Brad Bradish, Gail Catherwood, Carol Ziegler, Jeffrey Nold and Darlene Reynolds. #youinspireme #inspireothers #inspirationintheworkplace #leaveyourmarkontheworld Hopefully, after reading this blog you too will be inspired or more equipped to inspire others that you work with. Truly, I aspire daily to be a person that makes others feel like a somebody. That person where others say “because of you I didn’t give up!”
Lastly, this blog is specially dedicated to my Mom whom is one of my Best Friends in life; is one of the strongest women that I know and whom continues to be a source of inspiration to me daily!
About the Author
Pam Poole
Pam Poole is Director, Workforce Planning & Development for SRG Corporate Office. She is passionate about building strong client relations and delivering customer service excellence. Outside of work, she can be found reading a great book, walking her Jack Russell, trying new recipes in the kitchen and spending quality time with family and friends. One of her favorite quotes is “Carpe Diem” – “Seize the Day”!
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