Let’s talk about two things every boss loves to throw around: motivation and inspiration. Sure, they sound like buzzwords that belong on a glossy poster in the office break room. But here’s the kicker: they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can mean the difference between being a good boss and a great leader.
The Lowdown on Motivation vs. Inspiration
Motivation is like that coach who yells at you to do one more push-up—it’s all about pushing people to act. It’s external and can be incredibly effective for meeting those quarterly targets or getting the team through a project sprint. But inspiration? That’s more like a muse that whispers in your ear. It’s about pulling from within, making people want to leap out of bed in the morning to come to work, not because they have to, but because they can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve that day.
How to Inspire Your Team
- Start With Why
People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. This isn’t just sales talk—it’s about connecting with your team on a deeper level. If you want to inspire, start by sharing the bigger picture. Why does your company exist? Why does it matter? Make it clear, make it bold, and make sure it’s something worth getting behind.
- Be the Example
Ever noticed how excitement can be contagious? When a leader is genuinely enthusiastic, it’s like a spark that sets off a whole fireworks show. If you’re not fired up about the project, don’t expect your team to be. Show up with energy, believe in what you’re doing, and watch that enthusiasm spread.
- Give Them the Reins
Inspiration thrives on autonomy. Want to see someone truly inspired? Give them a project, tell them what needs to be achieved, and then let them run with it. It’s about trusting your team to innovate and find their paths to the goal.
- Acknowledge the Small Wins
It’s easy to celebrate the big victories, but inspiration often lives in the little moments. Recognize those small wins publicly, whether it’s a team member who solved a tricky problem or someone who stayed late to help finalize a presentation. It shows you’re paying attention and that you value all efforts, big and small.
- Keep the Dialogue Open
Inspiration isn’t a one-way street. It’s about dialogue—regular, open, and honest communication. Create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. When team members know their voices are heard, they’re more likely to bring their full selves to work.
Leadership Through Inspiration
Transitioning from motivating to inspiring can profoundly affect your team’s dynamics and performance. Being an inspirational leader isn’t about being charismatic or a smooth talker. It’s about showing up authentically, caring genuinely about your people and the mission, and letting that passion show. It’s not something you fake; it’s something you foster.
So, next time you’re aiming to motivate, ask yourself if there’s a way to inspire instead. Because when inspiration takes root, motivation will follow naturally. And that’s when you’ll see your team not just meeting targets but exceeding them, not because they have to but because they want to. That’s the power of true inspiration at work.
Great People, Great Careers
At Continental Search, we believe in connecting great people with great careers. With a network of over 10,000 industry experts in animal health and sciences and live production and processing, we offer valuable insights and career opportunities to professionals, while helping employers find the skilled candidates they need. Ready to advance your career or build your team? Let’s work together. Contact us today to learn more about what makes Continental Search different.
Reference: Schmidt, Karen. “Desire to Inspire” SRA Update
About the Author
Rick Pascual is the Practice Director for ruminant health and nutrition at Continental Search, a leading recruiting team in the animal sciences. He is a NAPS Certified Personnel Consultant and leads all the research and recruiting for dairy and beef. Rick mostly recruits sales, technical and management professionals for feed manufacturers, feed additive suppliers, and animal pharma.
For the latest job opportunities, connect with Rick on LinkedIn or email him at rick@continentalsearch.com.
