HUGE Impact!

 

Almost every conversation I had with others this week focused on the question, “How do leaders create a positive impact?” 

 

Having served in the military for more than 50 years, I’m accustomed to acronyms, so here’s one I created that’s based on my perspective of how leaders create a positive impact. It’s HUGE!

 

Be HUMBLE! That can be difficult because humility is difficult, if not impossible, to measure. How do you know if someone is humble? What’s the criteria? The official definition of humility is “a modest or low view of one's own importance.” Who knows whether you have a modest or low view of your own importance? YOU do! No one else! It seems to me that you’re the only one who knows whether or not you’re being humble. You’re really the only one who can make that assessment, but will your followers know? That’s who you’re trying to impact, right? Maybe they’ll know. Maybe not. See how difficult it can be? But here’s what you, as a leader, can do to express your humility. Practice being modest, respectful, considerate, and unselfish. This is the way. (Yeah. I’m a fan.)

 

Be UPLIFTING! As Robert Ingersoll said, “We rise by lifting others.” Zig Ziglar said, “He climbs highest who helps another up.” And, finally, Maya Angelou said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Whoever you’re intending to lead today can use a pat on the back, a compliment on their work, even a word or two of encouragement that will empower them to be the best version of themselves. They’re great! Tell them so! It’ll cost you nothing. But the impact you’ll have will be powerful. It’s HUGE!

 

Be GRATEFUL! Create an attitude of gratitude. Be grateful that you get to lead each of your followers, as challenging as that may be some days. But that’s what’s cool about being a leader, overcoming the challenges. Being grateful will have an impact that you may not readily see, and it will be effective beyond your knowledge. I make sure I count my blessings, which are many, when I first wake up in the morning. I live in the greatest country in the world. I work with the best people on Earth. I woke up healthy! I woke up! I have a lot to be grateful for. I bet you do, too. Be grateful. It’s contagious.

 

Be EMPATHIC! Empathy is one characteristic we’re in dire need of today. Empathy is about understanding, not judging. As Stephen Covey taught me, “We can agree to disagree agreeably.” We actually can! I don’t have to agree with you to still care about you and respect you. That’s how you feel about the subject. I don’t agree, but I respect that you feel that way. We’re good. And that’s good. Dr Covey also taught us to “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” The more we practice that, the more impact we’ll have on ourselves and on others. Leading effectively starts with me practicing understanding and not judging. As Pope Francis has said, “Who am I to judge?”

 

These four, seemingly simple, ways of thinking and being will have a HUGE impact on you, your followers, and our world. Think about how you can practice them today. Just one behavior in each category, and I guarantee you HUGE results! 

Until next time, Be GREAT! You ARE!

 

                     ¡HEIRPOWER!

 

bob vásquez!