One of the most important responsibilities a leader has is to lift their people.

Lift – to raise to a higher position, elevate.

In aerodynamics, lift is the force that directly opposes weight. So when an aircraft flys, lift is the thing that keeps it in the air, overcoming its weight.

Sure leadership is about vision, authenticity, action and responsibility, but realising that as a leader you are also accountable for what others do and how they do it, is a key.

The word ‘inspire’ means to fill, for example when you inspire you fill your lungs with air. By contrast, to expire means to empty or deflate your lungs.

What effect do you have on your people? Do you fill them with confidence, enthusiasm and self belief or leave them flat, empty and deflated?

Most of us understand that leadership is about what we do, how we do it and what we get done. We also need to accept that it is our responsibility to make a difference to others. To lift them. To enable them to overcome barriers to success.