Where to Go for Inspiration as a Leader
One of the topics that we often discuss in our executive coaching is the ongoing desire for inspiration. We get it; It’s important to constantly seek professional inspiration in order to maintain a competitive edge and to provide innovative solutions. The search for inspiration, however, should not be limited to just one source but should encompass a variety of mediums and resources. Join us in this month’s discussion about some of our top places to find inspiration, hope, and creativity.
Formal Learning
Attending industry conferences and trade shows is a great way to network and to understand the latest trends and developments in your field. We’ve missed these over the last few years! The connections and knowledge gained at these events can help spawn creative solutions and ideas.
We recently had the opportunity to participate in two different client events and it was so wonderful to reconnect live and in person with people we’ve only seen on a small screen. Conversations lead to inspiration, and exposure to industry leaders and peer best practices can expand your thinking.
Also – as simple as it sounds – don't discount the amount of inspiration that can come from reading. Reading books and articles can provide a deeper understanding of industry trends and best practices, as well as new insight into how others are solving problems. You don’t have to limit yourself to your own functional area of expertise: see what’s happening in other fields. Explore Extreme Ownership, written by Navy SEAL officers Jocko Willink and Leif Babin or see what organizational psychologist Adam Grant has to say about creativity and innovation in Originals: How Non-conformists Move the World.
A colleague recently shared that she can’t justify taking time from her work day to “just read”. We propose that staying up on industry information or following current thought leaders is an extreme value-add activity. Too many leaders we encounter are so head-down in their own day-to-day or their own industry that they’re missing out on all kinds of insight. Here’s a challenge for you:
For the next ten business days, allow yourself 10-15 minutes per day of reading time.
Choose a book that intrigues you, or one that you’ve heard about, or select from the list below.
Schedule this time during your regular “work hours” - because this is not the type of book that you’d read to relax at the end of the day.
At the end of each week, spend just five minutes on reflection: what did you learn in your reading, and what’s the implication for your work? Your life?
We bet you’ll be surprised (and pleased) at what you find. We hope that this small experiment becomes the foundation for a new habit that will create inspiration for you and for others.
We’re avid readers and always have one or more books going. Here are some of our other top book recommendations to get you started today:
How to Think Strategically by Greg Githens
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
Have a book you love? Share the title - we’d love to hear from you.
Time in Nature
Another simple-yet-profound solution lies right in our own backyard. Literally! Time in nature can be an incredible source of inspiration. In fact, a Berkley University article, published in a recent issue of their Greater Good Magazine, touted the benefits of time spent in nature, stating: “Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior, helping us to reduce anxiety, brooding, and stress, while increasing our attention capacity, creativity, and our ability to connect with other people.”
In addition to that, time in nature can do all the following:
Improves Creativity: Being surrounded by nature can open up your mind to new ideas and perspectives. The tranquility and beauty of nature can inspire creativity and improve problem-solving skills.
Enhances Focus and Productivity: Spending time in nature can help clear your mind and reduce stress, which can make you more focused and productive. Research shows that taking short breaks in nature can boost concentration and performance.
Offers Time for Reflection: Being in nature provides a peaceful and calming environment that allows you to reflect on your goals and priorities. This can be especially beneficial for professionals who are feeling overwhelmed or stuck in their careers.
Increases Physical and Mental Health: Spending time in nature is known to improve physical health by reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and lowering blood pressure. It also promotes mental health by reducing anxiety and depression, helping to restore mental energy and increasing happiness.
Provides Opportunities for Networking: Really! Participating in nature-based activities, such as hiking or birdwatching, or even your neighborhood park clean-up can provide opportunities to meet new people and make new connections. These connections can lead to new professional opportunities and collaborations.
Trust Your Intuition
Here’s what we know to be true: sometimes the inspiration we need is already right inside of us. We just need to quiet ourselves to access it. We also know that it’s not as simple as it might sound. To trust your intuition, you need to condition yourself to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. You have to learn to pay attention to your gut instincts, and the physical and emotional responses you have to situations. Then take a moment to reflect on how this aligns with your values and goals.
We consistently encourage our executive business clients to take regular breaks to step back from the daily grind and reflect on their experiences, both positive and negative. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend or mentor can help you gain clarity and insight.
As you practice, remember that trusting your intuition can be scary because it might involve making decisions with incomplete information. However, learning to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks can help you tap into your intuition and discover new possibilities. And the more you listen to your intuition, and act on your finely honed instincts, the more confidence you build. If you are looking for tools and accountability in improving this skill, consider signing up for one of Nova’s group coaching Masterminds.
Professional Associations
Professional associations can provide a wealth of information and resources, including webinars, networking events, and access to industry reports and trends. Joining and actively participating in a professional association can provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
If you’re looking to build your network, spark creativity, and spend time in beautiful nature, consider making a commitment to join us for our next Leadership Destination Retreat in Italy. Our 5-day immersive experience will tap into your values, leverage your innate wisdom to help you get clarity on your goals, and your ambitions. Together with a small group of other accomplished women, you’ll define what’s most important to you, and explore what’s next on your journey.
We have just a few spots left for October 2023! Visit our dedicated destination page to learn more or to register.
Leadership Development Programs
When we started coaching, we were asked to work with people who were already successful. What we found was that companies didn't know how to serve and support these highly successful leaders in a meaningful way...and most of the leaders themselves couldn't clearly articulate what was missing. They just knew that something wasn’t quite right. And that they had more to offer - somehow.
When we started Nova Leadership in 2015, we were clear: we wanted to empower leaders - to help them discover the brilliance within. And to shine. If you’re looking to shine wherever you’re leading and learning, we want to meet you. Get in touch today to learn more!