Impact Players

1. Impact Players See Opportunity Where Others See Threat

"When surprises are the new normal, resilience is the new skill."

Reframe challenges as opportunities. Impact Players possess a unique lens through which they view everyday challenges. Where others see messy problems, unclear roles, unforeseen obstacles, moving targets, and unrelenting demands as threats, Impact Players perceive opportunities to add value. This mindset stems from a strong sense of personal agency and an internal locus of control.

Key traits of Impact Players:

• Resilience: ability to bounce back from setbacks
• Grit: sustained persistence in pursuit of achievement
• Growth mindset: belief that abilities can be developed through effort

By adopting this perspective, Impact Players not only navigate uncertainty more effectively but also position themselves as go-to problem solvers within their organizations. They embrace challenges as chances for growth and innovation, setting themselves apart from colleagues who may become paralyzed or discouraged by ambiguity.

2. Do the Job That's Needed, Not Just Your Job

"I work from a mindset that I am useful and I can have an impact."

Expand your role organically. Impact Players don't confine themselves to rigid job descriptions. Instead, they actively seek out unmet needs within their organization and take initiative to address them. This approach requires a deep understanding of the company's goals and priorities, as well as the ability to empathize with stakeholders at all levels.

Strategies for doing the job that's needed:

• Understand the W.I.N. (What's Important Now)
• Practice "upward empathy" to understand your leaders' challenges
• Invite yourself to important conversations and meetings
• Focus on delivering value, not just completing tasks

By consistently delivering on work that matters most to the organization, Impact Players build trust and influence. They become known as versatile problem-solvers who can be relied upon to tackle critical issues, even those outside their formal job scope.

3. Step Up and Lead, Then Step Back

"When roles are unclear, you have a choice to make. My choice is to lead."

Practice fluid leadership. Impact Players don't wait for formal authority to take charge. They recognize leadership vacuums and step up to fill them, but crucially, they also know when to step back and follow others' lead. This adaptable approach to leadership creates a culture of initiative and agility within organizations.

Key aspects of stepping up and stepping back:

• Recognize situations lacking clear leadership
• Take charge without overstepping or alienating others
• Enroll others in the vision and empower them to contribute
• Gracefully cede leadership when appropriate

By mastering this balance, Impact Players become adept at mobilizing teams and driving progress, even in ambiguous situations. They build a reputation as collaborative leaders who can be counted on to move initiatives forward without ego getting in the way.

4. Finish Strong and Take Ownership

"I'm on it."

Develop the completion gene. Impact Players don't just start projects; they see them through to completion, even when faced with unexpected obstacles. They take full ownership of outcomes and maintain that ownership even during setbacks. This mindset stems from a belief in their ability to overcome adversity and get things done.

Strategies for finishing strong:

• Anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans
• Maintain ownership while calling in reinforcements when needed
• Focus on delivering the entire job, not just your piece
• Provide predictability and upside surprise

By consistently finishing what they start, Impact Players build a performance guarantee that their colleagues and leaders can count on. This reliability makes them the go-to choice for high-stakes, high-visibility projects.

5. Ask for Guidance and Adjust Quickly

"Now I seek feedback all the time. I'm desperately looking for people who can tell me how I can improve and how I can do better."

Embrace a growth orientation. Impact Players actively seek out feedback and guidance, viewing it as vital information rather than personal criticism. They are quick to adjust their approach based on new information, demonstrating both confidence in their inherent value and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Best practices for seeking and applying guidance:

• Ask for specific, actionable feedback regularly
• Focus on the work, not personal validation
• Make micro-adjustments quickly rather than overreacting
• Close the feedback loop by reporting on actions taken

This approach to learning and adaptation allows Impact Players to stay aligned with evolving priorities and consistently deliver high-value work. It also positions them as coachable team members who raise the performance bar for everyone.

6. Make Work Lighter for Everyone

"Everything she does is at 110 percent, but she's so not a person who walks around showing you that she has 110 percent. [She has] no bravado."

Reduce friction, not just workload. Impact Players don't just work hard; they make work easier and more enjoyable for everyone around them. They reduce drama, streamline processes, and create a positive work environment that decreases stress and increases productivity for the entire team.

Ways Impact Players lighten the load:

• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Anticipate needs and provide support proactively
• Bring levity and positive energy to challenging situations
• Recognize and celebrate others' contributions

By making work lighter for others, Impact Players become indispensable team members who everyone wants to work with. They create a culture of collaboration and mutual support that enhances overall team performance.

7. Develop the Impact Player Mindset in Yourself and Your Team

"The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior the leader is willing to tolerate."

Create conditions for impact. Leaders can cultivate the Impact Player Mindset within their teams by creating an environment that balances psychological safety with high expectations. This approach encourages team members to take initiative, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve.

Strategies for developing Impact Players:

• Define and communicate the W.I.N. (What's Important Now)
• Redefine leadership as a fluid, situational role
• Provide rich feedback and performance intel
• Celebrate and replicate Impact Player behaviors

By fostering a team culture that values and rewards Impact Player behaviors, leaders can create a high-performing organization where everyone contributes at their fullest potential. This not only drives better results but also creates a more fulfilling work experience for all team members.

Last updated: January 25, 2025