Inspiring Leadership: The Daily Choice That Changes Everything

 

Contents

#1. What Does It Mean to Inspire

#2. Why Inspiring Leadership Matters More Than Ever

#3. From Victim to Hero – The Inspiring Leader’s Mindset Shift

#4. Three Daily Practices To Be More Inspiring

#5. Final Thoughts – Inspiring Leadership Is A Daily Practice

What Does It Mean to Inspire

 

Some leaders inspire the moment they walk into a room.

Not with rousing speeches or grand gestures, but simply through how they show up; calm, clear, and quietly confident.

I believe truly inspiring leadership isn’t about charisma.

It’s about energy.

It’s about presence.

And most of all, it’s about choosing to show up in a way that lifts others, every single day.

But here’s the thing: inspiring leadership starts long before anyone else is watching. It begins with self-awareness, honest reflection, and the decision to lead yourself first.

 

Why Inspiring Leadership Matters More Than Ever

 

We’re all feeling it. The fatigue. The complexity. The constant change.

In times like these, leadership can’t just be about hitting targets or keeping things ticking along. We need leaders who can uplift their teams, create clarity from chaos, and model the kind of resilience we want to see in others.

That’s what inspiring leadership does.

It spreads confidence. It fuels motivation. It has what psychologist Sigal Barsade called emotional contagion; the proven, science-backed idea that our moods and emotions ripple out to those around us.

Barsade’s research showed that a leader’s emotional state can significantly impact team morale, collaboration, and performance, for better or worse. And this effect is strongest early in the day, when emotional tone is set.

In other words, your energy is the culture.

So… how do we lead in a way that inspires, without burning ourselves out in the process?

 

From Victim to Hero: The Leadership Mindset Shift

 

A while back, I began noticing a pattern in the leaders I coach (and in myself). We tend to operate from one of three default roles: the Victim, the Villain, or the Hero.

The Victim feels powerless. They focus on what’s wrong, why something can’t be done, or who’s to blame.

The Villain tries to control and fix things through criticism or pressure, often driven by stress.

The Hero, on the other hand, doesn’t need a spotlight. They don’t see themselves as the saviour. They lead to serve.

Because here’s what true heroes understand:

Inspiring leadership isn’t about putting yourself on a pedestal. It’s not about being worshipped, followed, or revered.

It’s about owning your influence, using it wisely, and showing up in service of something bigger than yourself, your team, your values, and your mission.

Heroes bring energy, clarity and courage to the people around them.

They understand that their mindset, words, and even mood can affect others. And rather than avoiding that responsibility, they embrace it.

They don’t ask, “How can I look good?”

They ask, “How can I help others shine?”

They understand that their role isn’t to be the centre of attention, but the catalyst for collective success.

 

Three Daily Practices To Be An Inspiring Leader

 

Lead with Emotional Self-Awareness

Every morning, before the meetings begin, check in with yourself.

How am I feeling? Where’s my energy? What mood might I be spreading without even realising?

You don’t have to pretend to be upbeat when you’re not, but acknowledging your emotional state gives you a choice.

It allows you to regulate, not suppress. As I’ve learned the hard way, emotional control is only useful when balanced with honesty and openness.

Tactic: Keep a short morning journal. Rate your energy out of 10. Jot down one word that describes your mood, and one word for the energy you want to bring today.

 

Spot the Triggers That Affect Your State

Emotional contagion works both ways. If you’re constantly reacting to stress, you’ll pass that stress on.

That’s why it’s so important to know your triggers.

I ask my clients (and myself): When do you typically feel frustrated, drained, or disconnected? Is it a certain task, time of day, or type of interaction?

Identifying these patterns gives you the power to plan ahead and lead intentionally, instead of on autopilot.

Tactic: Create a “Mood Map” for your day. Track energy dips and triggers. Then experiment with rituals or changes that boost your state in those moments –  a quick walk, a different meeting format, a five-minute pause.

 

Drop the Mask — Show Your Edges

Inspiring leadership isn’t about being perfect.

In fact, perfection is a mask, and it pushes people away.

For years, I wore a mask without even realising it.

I stayed calm, controlled, always composed… until it affected the people closest to me. A friend and coach once said, “Ben, if you don’t share any struggle, people might just see you as Mr Perfect.”

That hit home.

The truth is, we connect most with people who are real. Those who show their edges. Who let us see the human behind the role.

Tactic: Share a small vulnerability in your next team meeting. It doesn’t have to be big. Just something real. A challenge you’re navigating, or something that’s helping you grow.

 

Final Thoughts: Inspiring Leadership Is a Daily Practice — and a Service

 

Every day, you influence the people around you, whether you mean to or not.

Your tone. Your energy. Your mindset.

It all matters.

But inspiring leadership is not about being admired. It’s about being of service.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Lead yourself first.

Choose the Hero mindset, the one rooted in humility, not ego.

Set the emotional tone you want to see.

Serve your team by being the example they can follow.

Because inspiring leadership isn’t a personality trait. It’s a decision made moment by moment.

And if you want to go deeper, I can help.

Through my 1:1 coaching programmes and tools like the Strengthscope® Profile and 360° Feedback, we’ll uncover how your strengths show up under pressure, and how to lead with clarity, courage, and authenticity.

Let’s lift the mask.

Serve with purpose.

And inspire those around us to do the same.

Your coach,

Found this useful? Each week, I send out The Leader’s Kit Bag – a short, practical email with one idea and one tool to help you take one step forward as a leader.

You can get the next one here.