About the Linkedin Inspiration Index

The LinkedIn Inspiration Index measures professional inspiration around the world. To participate, answer one simple question. Then explore thousands of results to see how inspiration varies by geographies, industries, and more.

If you are a leader in a workplace, pay attention. The Linkedin Inspiration Index can help you.  People who score themselves at 80% or above would be 5 x more productive than those who are 40% or below.  The most inspiring leaders average a 20% Return on invested capital for their companies (over a rolling 5 years) vs the most uninspiring who average -10% (for the same timeframe).  Where would your staff put themselves on the Index?

What a simple and brilliant way to uncover something that is important to all of us.

Those who need help

According to the Index, if you are a leader in Media, Transport, Law or Recruitment then you are missing a big opportunity.

When someone is NOT inspired…

• They walk around the office pretty slowly and have a down look on their face.
• They turn up at 9.01am and leave at 4.59pm regardless of what is happening around the business.
• They can’t wait to go home.
• They often talk about how little they get paid and how other people in other companies earn more than them.
• They don’t speak up when they notice something important other than to say how it is a problem that someone else needs to fix.
• They use cynical humour or facetious comments to negatively describe others in the business.
• The say things like “That’s not my job” “That’s not may fault” “They…” and “Yeah, but…”
• They do what is necessary to get by.
• They try to avoid meetings if possible or will sit at the back so they can check their smart phone or make a shopping list.
• They email people sitting next to them.
• They use up all the sick leave, holiday leave, mental health leave, carer’s leave, study leave…and whatever-else leave may be available.
• They see happiness as the thing that occurs outside business hours.
• They couldn’t tell you much about the history, journey or vision for the company other than the things it needs to fix.
• They push their expense limit and travel policy to the maximum.
• They love conferences because of free alcohol.
• They never miss their full hour for lunch.
• They do exactly what was asked of them by task and nothing more.
• They go silent when someone asks for extra help.
• They come to work for what they can get.

But, guess what?  These are all good people.  Most are people you know and love.  They are capable of so much more and don’t behave like this in other parts of their life.  They want to be inspired.  Benjamin Franklin was rightly quoted “No human being is inherently lazy, the just have uninspired goals.”

Those we can learn from

According to the Index, those unleashing potential are leaders in Fashion, Sport, Professional Training & Coaching and the Arts.

When someone is INSPIRED…..

• They have smiles on their faces.
• They can’t wait to tell their loved ones about their day at work.
• They brag to their friends about how good their company is to work for.
• They prepare for meetings and get involved in the meeting discussions.
• They don’t mind receiving constructive negative feedback.
• They unknowingly spend all day keeping conversations around the office to do with the focus of their employer.
• They tell positive stories about the company.
• They offer help and get involved.
• They proactively seek out information about the company direction.
• They can’t wait to hear from leaders and peers.
• They push the boundaries.
• They never worry about hours or leave benefits and put in the work to get the job done when it counts.
• They collaborate instead of compete.
• They always use positive and respectful language to describe others in the company.
• They assume positive intent in others.
• They make others feel important, safe and cared for.
• They feel challenged and invigorated by work but humble and gracious to be able to work there.
• They start with the benchmark and try to beat it because they feel it will help their teammates.
• The own and drive their personal development.
• They love the people they work with.
• They always turn up.
• They don’t wait to be told.
• They see work as part of happiness.
• They come to work for what they can give.

How do the best leaders do it?

• They make people feel important.
• They show how everything a person does is significant.
• They share a common cause with passion and it has nothing to do with dollars or profits.
• They create a sense of community and belonging.
• They treat them with kindness, compassion, empathy and respect.
• They over-communicate, even when the news is difficult.
• They constantly tell great stories.
• They value people as a ‘whole person’, not just a worker.
• They set amazing benchmarks for behaviour.
• They listen.
• They let people take ownership.
• They keep the basics fair and equitable.
• They make the work environment and great place to be.
• They make it easy for people to juggle work with family.
• They provide heaps of feedback.
• They see people for their potential not just their performance.
• They use simple words and speak from the heart.
• They admit mistakes, share failures and are open about everything that the company is doing.
• They remind people of where they fit in.
• They hold everyone accountable in a consistent way.
• They give people a chance to shine.
• They trust.

Imagine the difference in performance, culture and happiness….