Throughout
our history, we remember inspirational quotes when we need that extra kick to
get going. They provide motivation and can strengthen resolve to get the job
done. Aside from that though, how can we effectively use inspirational quotes
for leadership development in an organization?
According to Dr. Susan Cain, “Inspirational
quotes can help inspire and motivate individuals to perform at higher levels.
Inspirational quotes are useful for helping people when they’re down or are on
a rebound from life’s many pitfalls”. This is useful for leadership development
because leaders can use inspirational quotes to inspire and motivate their
subordinates to get the job done, or to offer support in case a subordinate is
having a difficult time. There are a few well known individuals whose
inspirational quotes can be used as guide. One such example would be from Henry
Ford, inventor of the Model T car,
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see
when you take your eyes off the goal.”
To interpret this, stay focused on your goals.
Otherwise you’ll be bogged down in everything stopping you. Another good quote
to consider would be by Arthur Ashe,
“Start where you are. Use what you have.
Do what you can.”
To interpret this, start small and simple, use
what’s available, and keep within your limits for your task. You don’t always
have to do everything and anything, just do enough to do what is needed. A
final, good inspirational quote is by Helen Keller, who is well known for her
success despite her handicaps:
“When one door of happiness closes, another
opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one
that has been opened for us.”
To sum this one up, if something doesn’t work
out, don’t worry and fixate on it; there’ll be more chances in the future.
In short, inspirational quotes can be used by
leaders to not only convey a message of support or motivation, but also as a
means of engaging with their subordinates and showing them that they care. This
way not only does the subordinate get that motivation to keep going, but it
shows that their leader cares for them. This is crucial for leadership
development because having a good relationship with employees always benefits
the leader and the organization in the long run. So in short, always keep in
mind the strength that inspirational quotes can have, and the benefit they give
while developing as a leader.
Corporate Learning Institute
1-800-203-6734
www.corplearning.com
