“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
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Imagine casting a pebble into a still pond. The moment it breaks the surface, ripples expand outwards, touching everything in their path. That single, small action creates a wave that extends far beyond the initial point of contact. Our lives, and especially our leadership, are much the same. Every interaction, every decision, every action we take creates a ripple effect, impacting those around us in ways we may not even fully realize. This week, we’re diving into the power of impact.
Maya Angelou famously said, “People won’t remember what you said. They won’t remember what you did. They will remember how you made them feel.” How true this is! Think about it: Can you readily recall the last Super Bowl winner or MVP? Perhaps not. Can you remember every joke a comedian told during their last show? Probably not. But can you recall the people who have made a lasting difference in your life? Absolutely. They may not have given grand speeches or performed extraordinary feats, but they did something far more powerful: they made an impact.
Impact isn’t about fleeting moments of recognition or temporary bursts of applause. It’s about creating a lasting positive change in the lives of others. It’s about leaving a mark that extends beyond our immediate sphere of influence. It’s about touching hearts and inspiring growth.
So, what exactly is impact? It’s the feeling someone experiences after an encounter with you. It’s the positive change they experience because of your actions. It’s the seed you plant that grows into something beautiful and meaningful in their lives. It’s the ripple effect of your influence.
But here’s the key: impact doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. It requires a conscious decision to invest in others, to put their needs first, to go the extra mile. Nobody remembers a great speech as vividly as they remember a genuine smile during a difficult time. Nobody recalls every detail of a project, but they will remember when you served them in their time of need. They’ll remember when you took time out of your busy day to put them first.
When you consistently choose intentional acts of kindness, service, and empathy, it does have an impact. And that impact is powerful. It creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond your immediate interactions.
Here’s what happens when you prioritize impact:
- People pay it forward: When you’ve been shown genuine kindness and care, you’re more likely to extend that same grace to others. Your actions become a model for how others should treat one another. It’s like Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- People follow your example: Leadership is influence, and influence is built on character. When people see you consistently demonstrating compassion and service, they’re more likely to emulate your behavior. Your life becomes a living example of how to make a difference. When we stay intentional, the impact can be eternal. Proverbs 11:30 says: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” By continuously growing as a leader, we are working to save the lives of others.
- People talk about it: Acts of kindness and service are memorable. They become stories shared around the dinner table, inspiring others to do the same. Your impact becomes a conversation starter, spreading positive influence throughout communities. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
- Favor is often returned: And, while making an impact shouldn’t be about expecting something in return, the law of reciprocity often comes into play. When you invest in others, you often find that support and kindness are returned to you when you need it most. It’s not about quid pro quo; it’s about sowing seeds of goodness and reaping a harvest of blessings. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippains 2:3-4
When we stay intentional, the impact can be internal. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” By continuously growing as a leader, we are working to save the lives of others.
So, what gets in the way of making an impact?
- Self-centeredness: When we’re too focused on our own needs and desires, we have little room to consider the needs of others. Our world shrinks to the size of our own concerns, blinding us to opportunities to make a difference.
- Busyness: We get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to prioritize the things that truly matter. We’re so busy “doing” that we don’t take time to be intentional about our interactions and their impact.
- Lack of awareness: We may be unintentionally creating a negative impact without even realizing it. We may be so focused on our own perspective that we fail to see how our words or actions are affecting others.
How do we overcome these obstacles and become intentional about making an impact?
- Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: Make a conscious effort to see the world from other people’s perspectives. Ask questions, listen actively, and try to understand their feelings and needs.
- Practice Small Acts of Kindness: Impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. A genuine smile, a helping hand, a listening ear, or even a hand-written note (yes, hand-written… not text or email!) – these seemingly small things can have a profound effect.
- Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve those around you. It could be volunteering at a local charity, helping a colleague with a project, or simply offering support to a friend in need.
- Be Present: In a world of distractions, being fully present in our interactions is a powerful way to make an impact. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen to what the other person is saying.
- Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your interactions and their impact. Are you creating the kind of ripple effect you desire? Are there areas where you can improve? Be willing to adjust your approach as needed.
Making an impact is not just a noble goal; it’s a fundamental purpose of leadership. It’s about leaving the world a little better than you found it. It’s about inspiring and encouraging others to grow, to serve, and to make their own positive impact.
Being successful as a leader requires intentional leadership habits. That’s why I developed the Ideal Week template – a tool that helps me identify disciplines and habits needed for success and allocate the necessary time. It guides you through planning your ideal week, ensuring you dedicate time to the activities that bring you closer to your goals.
Want to give it a try? Email me at [email protected] with the words ‘IDEAL WEEK’ in the subject line and I’ll send you a copy of the Ideal Week template complete with a sample to get you started!
- Quote of the week:
“If you want to make a difference, wishing for things to change won’t make them change. Hoping for improvements won’t bring them. Dreaming won’t provide all the answers you need. Vision won’t be enough to bring transformation to yourself or to others. Take action and be intentional!” – John C Maxwell
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: What kind of ripple effect do you want to create? What one small action will you take today to make a difference in someone’s life?
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with me! I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
