Leader, supervisor or manager; whatever your title, if you are in a position that requires you to motivate and inspire others, there are certain attitudes, behaviours and personal attributes that will help you to be successful.  Here are 10 questions any good leader must be able to answer in a positive way.

Am I able to recognize differences among my staff or team members and do I work effectively with each one? Being able to see these differences and respond accordingly, allows a leader to motivate people individually for better results.

Do I encourage suggestions and input from everyone, and then do I really listen? In order for people to feel motivated, they have to have some ownership of their processes and believe that their contributions are important.

Do I allow individuals to solve their own problems? A leader’s job is not to do everything but to impart the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to others so they can be successful.

Do I understand the personal goals of each of the people on my team? Different things motivate people. By understanding what inspires people to work, we are better able to find ways to help them succeed.

Do I give praise and provide rewards consistently and appropriately? Everyone needs to be recognized for their efforts and more so for positive results.

Do I find or create opportunities where people can succeed? Success breeds success.  Accomplishments create confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Do I consistently try to find ways to help people grow learn and develop on the job? The more people learn, the more they are inspired to learn.  Greater knowledge creates greater ideas.

Am I available to individuals, management and other team members? Invisible leaders don’t  make progress.  The more approachable you are, the more comfortable your team and employees will be with asking questions and making suggestions.  MBWA (Management By Wandering Around) is vital to the success of any leader.

Do I motivate the team as a whole as well as recognizing individual efforts and contributions? Individual’s efforts are invaluable. However, the team’s success must also be seen as extremely important if performance is to be sustained.

Am I successful at promoting communication, understanding and respect among the people I work with? In order to achieve success, the leader must cultivate an environment that encourages open honest and respectful communications.  People who know and trust each other accomplish more.