Whats your impact?
I like to run most mornings – time and travel permitting – and after my run, I stand behind a bench and do some stretches. When I looked down this morning however, I saw two distinct footprints where the grass had been worn away by my feet. It made me smile and it made me think about all the other impressions we make in the world and with the people we meet.
What’s your ‘impression’ as a leader, as a team member, as a human being?
Are others comfortable around you – what’s your impact on them and the organisation in which you work? This goes beyond a ‘first impression’ and is more about a lasting impact. What do people say about you when you are not there and what will people remember you for?
I only made that impression on the grass, because I had continued that pattern of behaviour. If I had only been running for a few weeks, my impact would have been swept away by the next wash of rain and wind. But instead, my consistency has made a positive impact; not only on that patch of grass but also my health and wellbeing. (although the groundskeeper of the park may not think so!)
Think about your behaviour. Are you consistent and authentic? We all like certainty and like to feel ‘sure’ of the people we deal with.
Its now April, and I wonder how many of us have maintained new year resolutions? Did we make those resolutions because it was something we thought we should do, or because we wanted to make real change and impact in our lives.
I was supposed to go to London today and at the last minute there was a change of plan. I thought about what I would do with this gift of a day – catch up with admin or do something else? I chose to pay attention to ‘something else’ – to think about my impact and my consistency. I’ve had a turbulent past 12 months with a lot of personal change, now is a good time to evaluate where I am and what I want to achieve in my life and business.
Reflection is an important part of leadership and personal growth, and I notice that many of the people I work with fall into the seductive trap of ‘doing’, being busy and not thinking about the bigger picture. I really do appreciate the pressures and complexity of a corporate career; I experienced it in my own career.
Take time to reflect and consider whether you are on track with where you want to go and whether you are being true to who you are. Are you making the impact you want?
If you would like to discuss aspects of your leadership please contact me on annie@quantumdp.com or call me on 07855 773261.
Annie
