The Value of Inspiration

By Judith Lee,

We’ve heard the expression that “genius is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” Watching the visit of the Pope this weekend has led me to question that ratio. It seems that more inspiration might lead to less perspiration on the part of business owners and managers!

My apologies if you have Pope-fatigue, but humor me to think just a few minutes about what Pope Francis inspired in the pilgrims who came to Philadelphia. They traveled far at their own expense and inconvenience, camped out if necessary, and waited without complaint. They went along with his “program.” Their only thanks was in knowing they were part of it, and they felt fortunate to be part of the Pope’s “team.”

Don’t you wish you could motivate your customers, employees or business associates to that degree? Imagine the worries and headaches that would dissipate!

Inspiration is, in fact, a tremendously valuable business tool. In cases where people have believed they were associating with a visionary or someone with great ideas, some of the most successful brands – and billions of dollars – have been made: Apple, Microsoft, Facebook and Google to name a few.

So how can you and I become more inspirational in what we do? We need to think more deeply, with more vision, and express it more often. Here’s an easy first step: Put it out on social media.

I noticed some business folks (shoutout to Jodi Sensenig and Karen Eichman) make an effort to share inspirational quotes and photos on Facebook. I know I read them, and sometimes they give me a big lift.

Of course, we can’t just “mouth” inspiration, we have to become inspirational leaders. Here are some thoughts on how:

• Be real – most people can spot a phony a mile away
• Be productive – set a great example; no task should be too large or too insignificant for you to handle personally
• Be visionary – think about the big picture and keep the “little stuff” in perspective
• Be kind – remember, you don’t know what other people are going through at any moment in time
• Be grateful – you didn’t get where you are without help from others, and neither did anyone else

What are your thoughts on inspiration and becoming an inspirational leader? I’d love to hear them.

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Judith Lee is a marketing and communications professional who focuses on social media and email marketing based in Atglen. She is a SCORE Volunteer and the Chair-Elect of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 610-368-2058 or via email at judithlee@epix.net.

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Top photo courtesy of CBS News.