How do you inspire commitment?

Paul Batz

January 22, 2013

photo[2] — The special sauce in the Big Mac made this burger a global sensation.

What makes a Big Mac special? Without the sauce in the middle, it’s just another messy cheeseburger with onions, right?

Good leaders understand business today is also messy. We’re all distracted by a busy life. Customers and profits are really hard to come by. And the rewards of a paycheck are mostly usurped by escalating promises and expectations: both personal and professional. Without inspiring commitment, even our most loyal comrades can drift out to lunch.

This ten-word question will add the special sauce to your leadership: Who do you want to be when you grow up? It’s an important question for you…but today, I’m suggesting you ask the people important to your success. It’s one of the most powerful ways to inspire commitment. Start by asking yourself: do you know the personal and professional aspirations of the people around you?

photo[3] — As I climbed this stunning staircase in Los Angeles last week, I couldn’t help but think about where I was headed – both personally and professionally..

Despite our flaws, people are remarkable in so many ways — we will endure even the most difficult, challenging work environments if we believe our leaders a) know who we want to be when we grow up and b) will help us get there. When we feel understood, appreciated and invested in…it counts as much or more than a little extra salary or bonus. All it takes is Good Leadership. It’s simple and it really works.

Good leaders make a habit of understanding the personal and professional goals and aspirations of the people important to their success. They help them make progress in simple, meaningful ways.

Drop me a note: who is inspiring commitment in you the most today?

Paul Batz

Paul Batz is CEO and Founder of Good Leadership Enterprises. He is an inspirational leadership coach, best selling author and professional speaker. His Good Leadership blog is recognized as one of the top leadership posts in America today.