✏ IMPACT: 10 Ways a Leader Can Have It

Good leaders change habits.
Great leaders change lives.

Imagine not caring what day of the week it is because you love what you do. Having those you lead strive to become better and use your example and actions as a goal. Being trusted by those around you to guide and mentor them as they grow through challenges and obstacles. Most importantly, making a genuine impact on something bigger than yourself, that has the ability to affect others long after you.

The pursuit of being a great leader is the most rewarding journey you will ever take.  If you are focused, determined, and willing to become a person of influence through your character and integrity, you will be on a path of self-fulfillment while at the same time, embracing your passion and purpose.

HERE ARE TEN WAYS THAT A GREAT LEADER CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:

1. RESPECT YOUR ROLE

Always remember, leadership is a privilege, and the ability to make an impact a responsibility. It is not given nor based on rank, authority or position. There may be “managers” who have that role, but a real leader earns respect and trust by consistent positive action and example. They take pride in their role and lead with a servant’s heart and a dedication to elicit the greatness within everyone they work with.

2. BE A GREAT LISTENER

As the saying goes, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You should listen more than you talk. Look a person in the eyes. Don’t interrupt, shake your head or say disparaging words under your breath. You can solve most problems without any action at all if you simply willing to listen with empathy and understanding. Above all, put your phone away so you won’t be tempted to glace at it if a text comes through.

3. BE AUTHENTIC

Why be somebody else when you are the best version of you? Each of us have a unique set of traits and characteristics that set us apart. Most want to “blend in” for the sake of acceptance, but you have to be true to yourself if you are to ever have a solid sense of self-awareness. Knowing who you are starts with who you aren’t. Once you distinguish who you aren’t, spend time building those positive attributes that set you apart from the pack.

4. SHOW GRATITUDE

There is no greater joy to be shared than when gratitude becomes a priority. We all have the opportunity to show our gratitude for what we have, and to ensure we never take our own blessings for granted. The chance to show our gratitude usually presents itself in the most mundane circumstances, but it is having a clear vision to recognize the chance to show it that makes the biggest impact. Don’t ever wait to show gratitude, and make it a habit.

5. LIVE IN THE PRESENT

We dwell on yesterday and worry about tomorrow, not recognizing the gift we have of the present. Be where your feet are and take the blinders off to recognize the here and now. Far too often we become so consumed with the outcome, that we lose perspective of the process. That journey toward the objective is where all the lessons are learned. Live each day to the fullest and don’t wish time away. Life is far too short.

6. MENTOR

There is no better way to build strong, independent, and courageous leaders than to act as a mentor to those who show the willingness and passion to influence. If you are successful, I guarantee someone helped you get there. Mentors are trusted advisors — you need to have one and be one.

7. SHOW PASSION IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

If you love what you do and treat each day as its own unique opportunity, what you feel inward will be portrayed outward. Express the passion you have in everything you do. From the small things to the important tasks you encounter each day, approach it with a vigor that is recognized by all. The effect of positivity is contagious; set the example and live it.

8. PAY IT FORWARD

Life is all about passing gratitude and joy to others. No matter how rich, or poor, educated or not, we are all born with a kind heart. Paying it forward simply means that you have experienced kindness by another and you are responding by being kind to another. Imagine a world where we all place an emphasis on paying it forward; it would eliminate so much stress and anger.

9. BE OPEN-MINDED

There are more opinions than just your own. Strong leaders yearn to listen to new ideas and thoughts. They firmly believe that everyone has the ability to become an innovator and discover breakthroughs so they are always listening with an open mind. It’s extremely rare to hear of a solo success story, there are always others involved and most of the creativity most likely came from each person being open-minded.

10. DEDICATE YOURSELF TO YOUR TRUE PURPOSE

Once you discover your purpose, your why, your passion, the realm of opportunities are limitless. Find what drives you and you will uncover the version of you that was meant to make a difference and create a legacy. Your happiness will allow you to step outside your comfort zone without hesitation. This simple action puts you in a position to create change and be a difference maker who creates impact.

Each of us have a leader within, we just need to discover what it is.  Once that greatness shows itself, chase it with everything you have and dedicate yourself to making an impact.  It is what legacies are made of, and what better way to be remembered!

Go do great things today and make a difference.