Have you ever met someone whose energy, attitude, and drive made you want to be better at what you do? The kind of person who lights up a room, transforms team dynamics, and sparks fresh ideas with their presence?
Inspirational people aren’t just figures from TED Talks or bestselling books – they’re often right in front of us. They’re the colleagues, managers, or industry peers who shape workplace culture for the better. They have a rare talent for motivating people, and teams are just more inspired when they’re in charge. They can spark fresh ideas by asking questions, and you come out of a meeting with them overflowing with passion.
You don’t need remote figures like Malala Yousafzai or Bill Gates to find inspiration. Chances are, you’re already surrounded by everyday professionals who can inspire you. Connecting with these individuals can unlock personal and professional growth, sharpen your focus, and even expand your career opportunities.
So, how do you find and build meaningful relationships with the inspirational people around you? Here’s everything you need to know to make those connections count.
Plenty has been written about inspirational leaders, but what do they actually do?
Inspirational individuals are more than charismatic – they have qualities that set them apart. For one, you will know them by their actions and their results. Recognising these traits can help you identify the people worth connecting with.
When challenges arise, inspirational people don’t crumble. They face obstacles with resilience and maintain a calm, solution-focused mindset. Rather than succumbing to stress, they see tough situations as opportunities for growth and can openly communicate what they need.
Example: Imagine a project deadline suddenly gets moved forward. Instead of panicking, an inspirational colleague might calmly outline priorities, delegate tasks, and reassure the team that it’s manageable – helping everyone stay productive and motivated.
How to apply: Observe how others handle high-pressure situations. If you notice someone consistently maintaining composure, approach them later to ask how they developed their coping strategies. This could lead to valuable insights or even mentorship.
Inspirational people celebrate their colleagues’ successes and see others’ talents as assets, not threats. They share feedback constructively, encourage growth, and prioritise team wins over individual glory.
Example: If someone on your team regularly supports others and promotes collaboration, they’re likely an inspiring presence.
How to apply: Offer genuine praise for their leadership qualities and ask if they have advice on fostering team collaboration. A simple, “I admire how you keep the team motivated – any tips on how I can do the same?” can open up a meaningful dialogue.
A clear sense of purpose drives these individuals, and their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone around them. This energy often sparks creativity, innovation, and a renewed sense of focus in their teams.
Example: A manager who passionately advocates for sustainability might inspire their team to think critically about reducing waste in the workplace, creating meaningful change.
How to apply: Identify what fuels their passion and ask them about it. For instance, “I noticed you’re really committed to sustainability. How did you develop such a strong focus in this area?”
Inspirational people walk the talk. They’re honest, take accountability for their actions, and always strive to do the right thing. This builds trust and respect among their peers.
As a result, teammates tend to trust them implicitly and value their input, even when they tell uncomfortable truths.
Example: A manager who admits their mistakes openly and focuses on solutions rather than pointing fingers shows integrity.
How to apply: Model this behaviour yourself. Acknowledge your own mistakes and seek to learn from them; others will notice and appreciate your transparency.
You’re not just gaining a friend or professional contact by working with inspiring individuals. You’re opening the door to personal and professional opportunities that can profoundly shape your future. Building relationships with inspiring individuals can transform your career in more ways than one.
Spending time with inspiring people can reignite your drive and help you tackle challenges with renewed confidence. Their passion and advice often help clarify your goals and push you to aim higher.
Example: Working with a team leader who values innovation might encourage you to pitch your bold ideas in meetings, boosting your confidence and visibility.
How to apply: Seek out opportunities to shadow or collaborate with inspirational colleagues. Pay attention to how they approach challenges and emulate their methods.
The ‘halo effect’ is real: when you’re associated with respected individuals, their reputation can elevate yours. Others may view you as more credible and capable simply by your connection. Aligning with inspirational colleagues can also open the door to leadership opportunities within your organisation.
Example: A junior associate working closely with a well-respected senior partner on a high-profile case may be viewed as more competent by clients and colleagues due to this association.
How to apply: Actively participate in projects led by inspiring individuals and contribute meaningfully. Your consistent effort will not go unnoticed.
Inspirational people often have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Tapping into their perspective can challenge your assumptions, encourage you to think outside the box, and guide you toward smarter decisions. Learning from their journey can help you navigate your own career path while avoiding common pitfalls.
Example: An entrepreneur struggling with a business decision could consult with a successful entrepreneur who has faced similar challenges.
How to apply: Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?” or “How do you approach major decisions in your role?”
Connecting with influential individuals increases one's chances of hearing about exciting projects, partnerships, or roles. Even indirect inspiration from their advice can spark ideas that lead to unforeseen opportunities.
Example: Conversing with a passionate industry leader might inspire you to pursue certifications or training you hadn’t considered before.
How to apply: Attend industry events, conferences, and other gatherings full of influential people. Make an effort to network and engage in meaningful conversations with thought leaders in your field.
Inspirational individuals are everywhere – you just need to know where to look.
Start close to home. Your immediate colleagues can be a treasure trove of inspiration. Seek out those who:
Are collaborative and solution-oriented
Share their knowledge freely
Go above and beyond to help the team succeed
How to connect: Strike up a conversation during lunch or after meetings to learn more about their approach to challenges.
Example: “I noticed how you handled that client issue last week. It was impressive! How do you stay so calm in those situations?”
Leaders often have a big-picture view of the organisation and can provide valuable insights. Look for those who:
Support employee development
Are approachable and open to feedback
Regularly acknowledge and celebrate team efforts
How to connect: Request a one-on-one meeting or volunteer for projects they lead to build rapport.
Example: “I’d love to learn more about how you approach strategic planning. Could we schedule a quick chat sometime?”
Look beyond your workplace to find inspiration. Attend conferences, join professional associations, or participate in online forums to meet like-minded professionals.
How to connect: Social media and other online platforms make it easy to follow and engage with industry leaders. Comment thoughtfully on their posts to start building a connection.
Example: “Your recent article on emerging trends in AI was insightful. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how smaller businesses can adopt these technologies.”
Building a meaningful relationship takes effort and authenticity. Here’s how to make those connections last.
Shared interests, hobbies, or mutual contacts can create an instant bond. Mentioning a favourite book or project can serve as a great icebreaker.
Example: “I noticed you’ve worked on sustainability initiatives. I’ve been passionate about reducing our carbon footprint at work, too. Could we chat about your approach?”
Show genuine interest by listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing to the conversation. Avoid superficial small talk and focus on meaningful topics.
How to apply: Prepare questions in advance, like “What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on recently?”
Inspirational people value honesty and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid to share your challenges or areas where you want to grow.
Example: “I’m struggling with managing competing priorities. How do you stay organised when you have a lot on your plate?”
Networking isn’t a one-way street – it’s a give-and-take relationship. Share resources, offer your help, or introduce them to valuable contacts. A mutually beneficial relationship is more likely to thrive.
Example: “I found an article that aligns with your recent project. I thought you might find it helpful!”
Inspirational individuals are often busy. Be mindful of their schedules and keep your interactions concise and impactful.
How to connect: Use tools like Calendly to suggest a quick 15-minute chat, respecting their availability.
Want to be that spark for others? Being inspirational at work isn’t just about being charismatic or giving motivational speeches. It’s about cultivating specific traits that encourage and uplift those around you. By developing these habits, you can become the go-to person others look up to for guidance and positivity.
Clear communication is a cornerstone of being inspirational. When you speak or write, ensure your message is easy to understand and has a clear purpose. Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Instead, focus on being concise and direct while maintaining a friendly tone. For instance, if you’re leading a meeting, summarise key points and invite questions to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Workplace challenges are inevitable, but how you handle them can set you apart. Staying calm under pressure shows resilience and steadiness, which others will admire. When deadlines loom or unexpected issues arise, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and tackle it step by step. Your composed demeanor can help others stay focused and confident, even in stressful situations.
Being generous with praise and constructive feedback can make a significant difference to your colleagues. When someone does a good job, acknowledge their effort. For example, a simple “Your presentation was really engaging” can boost their confidence. Similarly, if someone’s work could improve, provide feedback in a helpful and supportive way, such as, “Have you considered this approach? It might make things clearer.” Encouragement fosters a positive environment where everyone feels valued.
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Be honest, take responsibility for your actions, and admit mistakes when they happen. Leading by example builds trust and respect. If you make an error, own up to it and outline how you plan to fix it. This transparency can inspire others to act with integrity, too.
A growth mindset is all about embracing challenges and seeking opportunities to learn and improve. Show curiosity, ask questions, and be open to feedback. For instance, if a colleague struggles with a task, offer to brainstorm solutions together. This not only shows your willingness to help, but also promotes collaboration and continuous learning.
Inspiration doesn’t happen overnight. It results from consistent actions and authentic interactions. By embodying these traits every day, you’ll naturally become a source of motivation for others. Over time, your efforts will create a ripple effect, inspiring your team to adopt these habits, too.
Becoming an inspirational leader at work requires more than ambition – it involves fostering meaningful connections and supporting those around you. Start with small steps, and watch your positive influence grow.
Connecting with inspirational people – whether they’re colleagues, leaders, or industry peers – can propel your career to new heights. These relationships challenge your thinking, boost your confidence, and help you seize opportunities you might not have considered.
Remember: building meaningful connections takes effort. Be genuine, give as much as you take, and engage thoughtfully. Over time, you’ll not only expand your network but also become the kind of person others look up to.
They motivate you, broaden your perspectives, and spark professional growth. Inspirational people share insights, challenge your thinking, and open doors to new opportunities.
Look for someone who stays calm under pressure, uplifts the team, displays genuine passion, and acts with integrity. They’ll encourage growth, share knowledge, and inspire you to improve.
Inspirational leadership uses vision, integrity, and empathy to guide others. Leaders who fit this description can mentor you, expand your thinking, and offer support and guidance as you face challenges.
Be authentic, show interest in their ideas, and look for ways to help them achieve their goals. Meaningful conversations and mutual support lay the groundwork for lasting connections.
Expand your search. Look to industry networks, attend professional events, and engage with experts and thought leaders online. Your next source of inspiration might be just a few clicks away.
Attend conferences, join professional associations, and participate in online groups. Engage thoughtfully with their work, share insights, and reach out directly to start conversations.
Follow industry leaders on social media, comment on their posts, and share their content. A genuine, friendly message highlighting shared interests can lead to valuable connections.