The Power of Everyday Moments
The world is moving so fast and it’s easy to overlook the impact we have on others. We often underestimate and undervalue our influence, believing that unless we’re doing something grand or exceptional, we’re not making a difference. However, the truth is that we’re always making an impact, whether we realize it or not.
Abbey Johnston is a passionate and enthusiastic individual who is dedicated to helping people realize the power they hold in making a positive impact. She believes that everyone has the ability to make a significant impact at any given moment, and she aims to inspire others to recognize and value their own potential. Through her work, she hopes to empower individuals to harness their positive charge and make a lasting difference in the world.
The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
Every interaction, no matter how brief, has the potential to change someone’s day or even their life trajectory. A genuine smile, a moment of eye contact, or a kind word can leave a lasting positive impression. These micro-moments accumulate over time, shaping our relationships and the culture around us.
Consider the last time someone’s energy or presence significantly improved your day. Chances are, that person may not even remember the interaction, yet it made a meaningful difference to you. This illustrates the often unseen ripple effect of our actions and attitudes. Abbey emphasizes this point: “It happens in the smallest micro ways. Like when someone locks eyes with us and smiles in a way that, you know, the smile is genuine, it changes the way that you feel.”
Moving from Unintentional to Intentional Impact
While we’re always influencing others, the key is to shift from unintentional to intentional impact. By becoming more aware and purposeful in our interactions, we can dramatically increase our positive influence on others and our environment.
Abbey explains, “I think it’s the ability to move it from unintentional to intentional. So many people aren’t thinking about making a positive impact and are and so that’s great. Unintentional impact is a good one, but what would happen if we also were really intentional about making positive impacts?”
The Conscious Leader
A conscious leader understands the power of presence and intentionality. They recognize that leadership isn’t just about grand gestures or formal titles, but about how we show up in everyday moments. Here are some characteristics of a conscious leader:
- Present-minded: They practice grounding techniques to stay focused on the current moment.
- Self-aware: They understand their default behaviors and work to align their actions with their intentions.
- Emotionally intelligent: They pick up on subtle cues and respond appropriately to others’ needs.
- Purposeful: They consider how they want to impact a situation before entering it.
Overcoming Autopilot Mode
Many of us operate on autopilot, going through our days without much thought to how we’re affecting others. While autopilot can be efficient for routine tasks, it can also lead us to miss opportunities for meaningful connection and influence.
To break out of autopilot mode:
- Practice mindfulness: Use simple grounding techniques like focusing on your senses to bring yourself into the present moment.
- Reflect on your intentions: Before meetings or interactions, consider how you want to show up and what outcome you’d like to achieve.
- Pay attention to nonverbal cues: Be aware of your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, as these often communicate more than words.
The Impact of Nonverbal Communication
Our nonverbal cues play a crucial role in how others perceive us and can often make or break our intended impact. Research shows that a significant portion of our communication is nonverbal, including body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Case Study: The Misunderstood Executive
Consider the story of an executive who, despite her best intentions to be caring and approachable, was perceived as standoffish and unapproachable. Through feedback and coaching, she discovered that her neutral facial expression was being interpreted as unfriendly or disinterested.
Abbey recounts, “She had some nonverbal mannerisms that she was not aware of… she had a pretty deadpan face.” By making a conscious effort to smile more and show more emotion on her face, she was able to better align her outward appearance with her internal intentions, leading to improved relationships with her team.
This example highlights how small adjustments in our nonverbal communication can lead to significant changes in how we’re perceived and the impact we have on others.
The Importance of Feedback and Self-Awareness
To truly understand and improve our impact, we need feedback from others. As leaders, it can be particularly challenging to receive honest feedback due to power dynamics. This is where tools like 360-degree feedback and executive coaching can be invaluable.
Abbey stresses, “We can’t create self-awareness without someone who is not ourselves… We really got to hear how we’re impacting other people if it’s about social influence and the impact that we’re making on others.”
Benefits of 360-Degree Feedback
- Provides a comprehensive view of your leadership style and impact
- Identifies blind spots and areas for improvement
- Offers insights into how you’re perceived by different stakeholders
- Helps align your intentions with your actual impact
Remember, we can’t change what we can’t see. Feedback gives us the awareness necessary to move from accidental to purposeful impact.
Embracing Your Unique Leadership Style
It’s important to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Effective leaders come in all styles, from the quiet strength of a Tony Dungy to the intense drive of a Kobe Bryant. The key is to understand and leverage your unique strengths and authentic self.
Diversity in Leadership
Organizations benefit from a diversity of leadership styles. By embracing your unique approach, you bring valuable perspective and influence that may be missing otherwise. Don’t fall into the trap of believing you need to fit a certain stereotype to be a leader. Leadership is about social influence, and that can take many forms.
Practical Tips for Increasing Your Positive Impact
- Practice presence: Use grounding techniques to stay focused on the present moment.
- Set intentions: Before interactions, consider how you want to show up and what impact you want to have.
- Pay attention to nonverbals: Be mindful of your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
- Seek feedback: Regularly ask for honest feedback from colleagues and use tools like 360-degree assessments.
- Embrace your authentic style: Identify and leverage your unique strengths and approach to leadership.
- Take care of yourself: Remember that self-care is crucial for maintaining the energy to positively impact others.
- Celebrate small wins: Recognize that even small positive interactions can have a significant cumulative effect.
The Ripple Effect of Intentional Leadership
By becoming more intentional about our impact, we create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate interactions. When we show up with presence, authenticity, and care, we inspire others to do the same. This can lead to a more engaged, connected, and effective workplace culture.
As Abbey puts it, “You are a leader in your own skin. We need the way that you show up in the space. We need your leadership because we have these organizations that are suffering because we have so many people on the sidelines.”
Moreover, by recognizing the power of everyday moments, we can find greater meaning and purpose in our daily work. Instead of always chasing the next big achievement, we can find satisfaction in the small but significant ways we positively influence those around us.
Embracing Your Impact
Remember, you’re always making an impact. The question is whether that impact is intentional or accidental. By increasing your awareness, seeking feedback, and showing up with purpose, you can harness the power of your everyday influence to create positive change in your organization and beyond.
Leadership isn’t just about grand gestures or formal titles. It’s about how you show up in each moment, the energy you bring to every interaction, and the cumulative effect of your presence over time. Embrace your unique style, stay present, and lead with intention. Your impact matters more than you know.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | 211: You’re Always Making an Impact with Abbey Johnston
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize Others: The simple act of saying specific words of thanks or recognition can have a powerful impact on how others feel and the level of positivity in your workplace.
- Embrace Your Leadership Style: Embrace your unique contributions and diversity of influence to make a difference in your organization.
- Be Present and Grounded: Use the power of your body language, facial expressions, and nonverbal cues to create a positive atmosphere.
Things to listen for:
[00:05:18] Impacts matter more than being phenomenal.
[00:08:40] Be present, engage, and contribute in the moment.
[00:14:40] Small tweaks in nonverbals can make impact.
[00:18:52] Awareness is key in leadership and change.
[00:21:28] Misconception of leadership; need for diversity.
[00:26:59] Maximizing impact: value, authenticity, awareness, intentionality.
[00:28:23] Leave a better world. Take action now.
