Leadership: Inspiring and Motivating Yourself and Others

As leaders, inspiring and motivating yourself and others is critical to creating transformational and sustainable results. Yet, what allows you to do this well and do it consistently?

Research has shown that how well you are able to lead is connected to your level of energy. Well, what exactly do we mean by “energy”? There are essentially two types of energy: Anabolic energy is building, constructive energy that allows leaders to build strong relationships with their teams, clients, colleagues, etc. Catabolic energy is destructive and repels success in relationships, business dealings, etc.

Recognizing and understanding the characteristics and impact of catabolic and anabolic leaders will allow you to choose the type of leader you want to be.

Let’s start off with looking at the overall style of the catabolic leader. This leader manages. If we look at the definition of “manage” we find that it means, “to handle, direct, govern, or control in action or use”, and “to dominate or influence”. So, catabolic leaders tell others what to do and how to do it. By maintaining control, others with whom this leader interacts are in a non-powerful position and as a result, probably aren’t particularly engaged in their work.

An anabolic leader, on the other hand, leads. Consulting our dictionary again, we find that “lead” means “to go before or with to show the way”, and “to guide in direction, course and action”. This sounds much more supportive and empowering and it is. The anabolic leader doesn’t control or push people, but instead, inspires and motivates through words, actions and personal example.

Anabolic leaders believe that everyone has their own answers and gifts that they bring to all aspects of their lives. Consequently, there is no need to tell people what to do.

In the coming weeks, as you interact with those around you, notice when you are leading and when you are managing and pay attention to the results.