Wes Kao · 7 min read · Product Teams
What being "inspiring" actually means
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The article argues that being inspiring at work isn’t about dramatic speeches but about sharing a clear, compelling point of view that excites others to take action. Authenticity matters, and the most important factor is the strength of your underlying argument, not flashy delivery. It also highlights that emotion and logic are interdependent and that perceptions of them depend on the listener.
Key Takeaways
- Inspiring colleagues is about presenting a compelling point of view that motivates action, not performing theatrical rhetoric.
- You can be yourself and still be persuasive; authenticity and clear ideas trump over-the-top delivery.
- Emotion and logic are interconnected, and what feels logical or emotional depends on the listener's perspective.
- A strong, well-argued message matters more than how passionately you deliver it, and influencing without authority is a foundational skill.
Excerpt
👋 Hey, it’s Wes. Welcome to my bi-weekly newsletter on managing up, leading teams, and standing out as a high performer. Check out my intensive course on Executive Communication & Influence . You’ll learn alongside mid-career operators from Netflix, Google, Stripe, Meta, Anthropic, etc. → Save your spot in the July cohort ⛑️ If you want to improve your executive presence, learn more about 1:1 coaching . Read time : 6 minutes Subscribe now When you think of “being inspiring,” you might think of emotional appeals. The problem is, you are not Viggo Mortensen rallying men to fight Sauron. You…