Visionary leadership is the art of imagining a better future and inspiring others to help make it a reality. It requires a unique combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to rally people around a common goal. As an executive leadership coach, I have helped leaders cultivate the skills needed to think, create, and plan for the future.
One trait that sets visionary leaders apart is their infectious enthusiasm and vitality. They possess a magnetic quality that energizes and uplifts those around them. This trait, which researchers call “positive relational energy,” is the single best predictor of leadership success that will shape the future.
Leaders with positive relational energy have a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate others. They create an atmosphere of positivity, trust, and collaboration that empowers their teams to achieve extraordinary results. Their enthusiasm is contagious, spreading throughout the organization and fueling innovation and growth.
Studies show that leaders with this energizing quality produce higher levels of engagement, lower turnover, and enhanced well-being among employees. Their positive impact can even be measured in the bodies of those around them, with lower levels of stress hormones and inflammation.
So, how can you cultivate this vital trait?
Invest in Your Own Well-Being: Start by prioritizing self-care practices like adequate sleep, exercise, and mindfulness. When you feel energized and centered, that positivity radiates outward, positively influencing those around you.
Build Empathy and Connection: Focus on building strong relationships with your team members. Take a genuine interest in others, listen actively, offer support, and celebrate their successes. When you make others feel valued and appreciated, they naturally become more energized and engaged.
Communicate with Conviction: Visionary leaders communicate their vision with passion and conviction. They paint a vivid picture of the future they envision and inspire others to join them on the journey. Use storytelling and metaphors to make your vision come alive and resonate with your audience.
Lead by Example: Embody the energy and enthusiasm you wish to see in others. Lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes that align with your vision. When you consistently model positivity and resilience, your team will follow suit.
Visionary leaders don’t just have a compelling vision; they have the vitality and enthusiasm to bring it to life. By cultivating positive relational energy, you can inspire and energize others to join you in shaping a brighter future.
Lead from Within: To be a visionary leader, first ignite the spark of enthusiasm within yourself. Then, inspire others to create a future that surpasses all expectations.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- Uncharted Waters: How To Navigate The Future Of Leadership And Business
- 4 of the Most Important Skills of the Future
- The Future of Leadership Development: How to Prepare for What’s Next
- The Massive Shifts In Leadership That Are Creating The New Future
- This is How AI Will Change the Future of Leadership
- What Leadership Skills Will Be Needed In the Future
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.