IMPACT
to have an effect on, alter, or influence

My son is in the final stages of selecting a college to attend in the fall.  This past week he headed off to his number 1 choice for a little research interview with the dean of the program
he's interested in. 

 As we discussed his approach and intentions for the meeting, we worked together to develop a list of key questions to ask that would give him the most relevant information to help him finalize his decision.

 He woke up early the day of his meeting and, as if exhibiting  the first sign of a personality disorder, actually got the ironing board and iron out to give his clothes a final pressing. 

As he pulled out of the driveway to head to the university, I had a flashback to his first day of kindergarten when (unbeknownst to him) I covertly followed his bus and discreetly watched from behind a bush as he arrived at the school and safely got inside the building.

In more than a few ways, the 12 years in between have gone at 'warp' speed.  And, it caused me to pause and reflect on the concept of IMPACT.  In this case, I spent some time that day thinking about the way in which my leadership, my teaching, my example, my mistakes, and my inconsistencies have IMPACTED the way in which my son is approaching his life.

Whether you are a parent, a manager, a lawyer, a sales associate, a CEO, or a surfer......it is vital to our success that we are conscious of the way in which the people around us are IMPACTED by the way in which we lead them and our own selves.

 And, while our egos might have us believe that those around us hang on our every word, spend countless hours in prayerful gratitude for us, and dedicate each day of their lives to honor us............we all know better.

Conversely, it is just as easy to step to the other end of that spectrum and draw an equally skewed perspective that completely minimizes the extent to which we IMPACT those around us.  

These last 12 years with my son have been filled with tasks:  bedtime routines, sports activities, homework, boyhood shenanigans, arguments, rituals, rules, chores, jokes, heart-to-heart talks, and some tears.  I suspect many of these tactical details will eventually slip from his memory and become embellished family lore that will be shared with the next generation over holiday tables. 

What is more likely to survive the test of time is the over-riding sense of purpose, connection, and vision that those thousands of tasks ultimately created.

The greatest leaders I've known or studied all seemed to have a very clear concept of their
purpose, connection, and vision. 

 And, they structured their lives and performed daily tasks around those three.

Those are the leaders who are IMPACTFUL.

"They will not remember what you said beyond a few hours or days.....but for a lifetime, they will carry with them the way you made them feel. "  
 Carl W. Buechner 

 Thanks for sharing your second cup with me,   

 
 Mike Malinchok, CPC 
 President 
 S2K Consulting, LLC