What is the difference between influence and impact?
We have influence when we have rules, expectations, and things that control people’s behavior.
Those can be good, and can have value to help people do what’s right, but it may not have a real lasting value.
Coaches have rules in hopes of keeping athletes from getting into trouble.
I have expectations for coaches that I think are good for their programs and will also benefit the students they are working with.
They aren’t bad, can be positive for people, but I don’t think they have any real lasting value. Just a way to do something and control a situation.
Impact is bringing a lasting affect on a person or situation.
Think about the people in your life that have had a lasting impact in what you do for a living, what you believe, how you treat people, and live your life.
Some had that impact a long time ago, while others may be in your life at this very moment.
The list can change, but we all know who those people are. Their impact supersedes influence and goes beyond enforcing a few rules. It changes who we are.
Two thoughts:
1) I shudder to think of the number of times I’ve missed an opportunity to impact a person’s life.
I have gotten too caught up in coming up with the things that influence people and have not focused enough on people and serving them. That’s how we Impact.
2) Impact is risky and can be disappointing.
When we offer ourselves up to people and invest in their lives we can also be setting ourselves up to be turned away.
I know I need to continue to look for situations where I can impact and not worry about potential failure.
If we’re being honest we sometimes size someone up and think about if they are worthy of our effort. That’s selfish and not what we should be about if we want to have a true servant’s heart and be a servant leader.
Investment and Impact equals leadership that lasts and multiplies. Take the risk with that kind of leadership and chase it.
Looks can be deceiving. Often times in our rush through the day we may glance someone’s direction, make a quick judgement that they look alright and then keep moving along.
How many times in a day do we say or hear the phrase “how are you doing?”
How many times do we truly mean it?
Would we know if someone actually is not doing well?
If we do sense that they are not doing alright will we stop, listen and offer some assistance, comfort or encouragement?
Everyone can use a hand from time to time. Everyone also includes you and me.
We try to be strong. We appear to be strong.
Often times we have to be strong but that doesn’t mean it would be nice to have some help carrying the load from time to time.
If we know how it feels to carry that heavy load that is all the more reason to be in tune with the load that others may be carrying. Stop, lean in and listen.
Maybe today you can help to lighten somebody else’s load. Helping them will actually help to lighten any load you may be carrying as well.
Are you intrigued by storms? I must confess that although I am not a storm chaser I do enjoy seeing the storm clouds roll in and deliver whatever it is they bring within the clouds.
I admit that I can say that because I have not lived through deadly weather. If you have I do not mean to minimize the legitimate terror that comes with catastrophic weather events so I am speaking about “routine” storms.
Just like a summer storm sometimes in our lives we can see and anticipate the storms coming our way. At other times the storms can pop up and blow in very quickly and without much warning.
No matter how the storm shows up, announced or unannounced, or how intense it may be you can be confident that it will eventually pass.
In the middle of your storm it may seem like it will never end but do not lose hope because the storm will pass and on the other side of it you will be better, you will be stronger and you will see things more clearly.
Made For This Moment 