What makes someone inspirational?

October 5, 2010

Twice recently I’ve found myself writing these words: “One of the most inspirational voices of our time” about  Kumi Naidoo and Paul Farmer.  As I don’t take the use of the adjective “inspirational” lightly, it made me think about what makes me refer to someone as ‘inspirational’?  We obviously all have our own personal answers and I started to think about what values I apply to my use of the word.

  • Walk their talk – It is one thing to give a good speech, it is quite another to lead your life so you are carrying through on what you encourage others to do.
  • Take a different path -   One can inspire people to do what they have always done better but I find it most inspirational when one has the creativity and courage to take a different path.
  • Balance vision with practicality – I find it is the rare leader who is visionary while also understanding the practicalities of moving towards that vision.
  •  Have a very strong ‘moral compass’ and integrity -  Although many of us start out with the “best of intentions” there are many challenges along our journey and temptations to ‘cut corners’, ‘make deals’ or take other actions that are not in the best interest of the people who have trusted in us.  Those who I find inspirational, are well grounded and don’t lose their ‘moral compass’ and integrity despite temptations they may face to do so.
  •  Cross-cultural communicators – This may not be as common on ‘inspirational’ lists, but I greatly value those who have taken the time (like Kumi, Paul, and many others I find inspirational) to get to know, understand and appreciate different cultures and to help others to do the same.
  •  Don’t take themselves too seriously – Realize the attention, awards (and even adulation) is about their work and not just about themselves.
  •  “Walk with kings but keep the ‘common touch’” One of my favorite poems has always been “If” by Rudyard Kipling from where this line comes.  I have had the good fortune, perhaps not to walk with kings, but with queens and prime ministers, and I have little patience for those who get too impressed with themselves just because they have done so…Those who inspire me can “walk with kings” but retain their ability to respect and engage with each and every individual they come in contact with no matter what their status in life.
  • Bring out the best in people – Part of being inspirational to me is to inspire other people to be the best they can be.

Who are some of the people you find inspirational and why?  How do you define inspirational?

Categories: Global Perspectives, Inspiration
Tags:

  • desireeadaway

    Bonnie,

    Thanks for this great post. You make some critical points but I think my favorite is balancing vision and practicality. Movement leaders can be all about the big vision and never have any idea or care about the practical steps for implementing that vision. I always admire leaders that I think can do both–and its so rare you can find someone who can.

  • http://www.how-matters.org Jennifer Lentfer

    Great list! For me, someone becomes inspirational as they overcome obstacles. The qualities described above are rarely inborn, but rather come from some hard lessons and always in relationship to other people. Those I find inspirational are also people who take reflection seriously, who want to understand how their role, contributions, and actions affect others.

    The most inspirational people I have known in my decade of international development work are the local grassroots leaders who, despite a lack of recognition and resources, continue to lead and serve their communities with undying vision, commitment, and resourcefulness.

  • http://goinginternational.com/ Bonnie Koenig

    Thanks Desiree and Jennifer for adding your ideas to what makes an ‘inspirational’ leader. Desiree, I very much agree that balancing vision & practicality is so important & unfortunately too rare. Jennifer, I appreciate your bringing out the ideas of overcoming hard conditions & lessons, taking reflection seriously and serving [locally] and often without recognition. All inspirational qualities as well!

  • http://www.strengthbuildersaz.com Nancy Iannone

    The people who inspire me are those who every day work to make the world a better place. They don’t believe in can’t or won’t, they just keep moving forward.

    I was struck by your definition of what it means to have a integrity and a strong moral compass. The people who inspire me know what it is to struggle with difficult decisions and hold true to themselves and the vision.

    Bringing out the best in others sometimes requires setting aside personal agendas in order to help others succeed. For me that goes back to a strong moral compass and a certain selflessness that beckons me to be more than I am.

    Thanks Bonnie for a thoughtful and inspirational blog post!

    • http://goinginternational.com/ Bonnie Koenig

      Thanks for your thoughts, Nancy. Yes, setting aside personal agendas is such a juggling act. The reality often is that some “ego” may be needed to be an effective leader and keeping that in check can be oh, so hard….

  • http://www.fullglassconsulting.com Laura Deaton

    Well, for starters, YOU inspire me Bonnie! Here’s what grabs me and makes my day, though…People who are passionate, outspoken, fearless, determined, committed, engaged, and who find every opportunity to make themselves relevant as they walk through their lives. Here’s the catch, though, for me. They truly inspire me when they manage to do all of that AND carry a “no dogma, no drama” commitment to listening, learning, and loving.

  • http://goinginternational.com/ Bonnie Koenig

    Oh, Laura, you’re making me blush…We do have a mutual admiration society :-) I like your list..that criteria certainly says ‘inspirational’ to me as well!

  • Pingback: A Year of Inspirational Reading « Engaging Internationally

  • http://www.fierceauthenticity.com Shannon

    Absolutely agree with “walk their talk,” in other words, authentic people. While someone’s message can be valid regardless of who the person is, it’s still disconcerting when someone doesn’t walk what he or she is talking. I also believe humility and gratitude are important – perhaps that just goes with not taking oneself too seriously, but thought I’d toss it out there.