Abstract
INSPIRE presents three novel insights about leadership, and about human nature more broadly.
- inspiring and infuriating leaders exist on an enduring continuum that is made up of three universal factors: Visionary, Exemplar, and Mentor. The exact same characteristics emerge in every culture and country across the globe. There is not a single inspiring or infuriating attribute that is unique to a specific country or region.
- These are the three universal factors because each one fulfills a fundamental human need. Visionary fulfills the human need for meaning and purpose. Exemplar fulfills the human need for protection and passion. Mentor fulfills the human need for belonging and status.
- We are NOT born as inspiring or infuriating individuals. Rather, inspiring leaders are made as it is our current behavior that either inspires or infuriates. Because there is a universal and systematic set of inspiring attributes, those capacities can be learned, developed, and honed.
Full Citation
Harper Business (January 21, 2025)
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2025.