In A World In Which We Can Make Anything, Make A Difference
William Arthur Ward told us to “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” Ultimately, the 20th century American author was reminding us no matter what we do, do more and make a difference.
At the heart of the human psyche is a desire to do just that; feel like we are making a difference. For many of us, we are able to fulfil this innate need through donations, charitable work and a number of other fantastic gestures. For others, we can do this through our work. Health workers, aid workers, scientists and teachers spring to mind.
“It is our responsibility to remind everyone of the importance of what we are doing, why we do it and ultimately the impact this has on others.”
Yet, what about the rest of us, the millions that work in other industries such as finance, retail or manual labour roles? Can we still find fulfilment in our roles and understand the difference we can make? Of course many do, so surely the answer is yes; however many don’t, so why?
I’m fortunate to work with some amazing people. When I visit one of our branches at Pitt and Market street in the heart of Sydney, Im always inspired by the concierge Lyndell McQueen (no relation!). Without fail, she always smiles, meets and greets customers with an enthusiasm that defies the fact she has been with the business since I was back at school. When I asked Lyndell how she maintains this enthusiastic approach, she eagerly told me “I love what I do, I love helping people”. That’s Lyndell’s why..and its why she makes a difference, and is amazing at her job.
“When I asked Lyndell how she maintains this enthusiastic approach, she eagerly told me “I love what I do, I love helping people”. That’s Lyndell’s why..and its why she makes a difference and is amazing at her job.”
In the corporate world, where the impact we have on people isn’t as transparent as it may be for the likes of doctors and teachers, we are challenged with taking steps to overcome this. Yet we all impact the people we work with, serve and spend time with each day. It is up to us how we impact them.
As a leader, it is imperative we understand the impact we have on others, and bring a mindful approach towards the way in which we lead. Through doing so we have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on peoples lives.
And for those under our stewardship, we should help create a vision that ensures they are aware of the importance of what they do. For example, do those specializing in home loans sell home loans? In many ways, they sell dreams. They help the most stressful of transactions become smoother, and help peoples dreams comes true. They help people in to a home where there children will grow up, where they will live happily, where they will grow old and retire. After all, people buy homes, not mortgages..
Perhaps Simon Sinek has the answer — it lies not in what we do, but why we do it. Do we see value in our work? And subsequently what does this mean for leaders? Are we able to foster an environment that allows us all to see the impact we have on others? Can we encourage our team to understand the difference that we all make, and then inspire each other to make that difference? It is our responsibility to remind everyone of the importance of what we are doing, why we do it and ultimately the impact this has on others.
My advice is simple — think about what you do, why you do it and how this makes a difference — then share this with others and encourage them to do the same.
This may not create a revolution, however we all make a difference each and every day. We have the power to ensure this difference is one that places a smile on peoples faces and makes a positive difference to the lives they lead. Then look in the mirror, as the odds are, you’ll be smiling also.
As Ghandi said, “In a Gentle Way, You Can shake the World”. Lets all start gently shaking today.
