Transformational Leadership

What’s the difference between motivation and inspiration? My definition of motivation is communicating why someone should follow your direction…how it will benefit them. Inspiration is more meaningful and far reaching. Inspiration is communicating the reason to do something at an emotional level, where the benefit is for a larger group, people, or society. It’s a reason to do something beyond yourself. A gifted leader will know how and when to use each at the right time.

The reason the distinction between motivation and inspiration is so important is this: for your ideas to have legs or a lasting impact, you must inspire…not simply motivate.

For example, motivation is enough to generate short bursts of energy or commitment to a goal. Inspiration is what motivates a person to spend their own time working on something. Inspiration is what gains commitment to spend a lifetime working toward a higher ideal or purpose. Inspiration will always lead to more impactful, farther reaching results than motivation.

So, the next time you need to get your team going and working toward a goal, seek to inspire. Connect with your people on an emotional level and help them clearly see the benefits that go well beyond themselves.

There is more to learn…For Newsletter Subscribers Only: the 5 “must-do” elements of inspiration. Don’t miss it….Subscribe to the Leadership Blog Email Newsletter (top left corner of this window).

Filed under: Inspiration, Motivation