You hear so much about how to pivot, grow, and change your business. But if you want to pivot in a positive way and truly expand your impact in the world, it starts with a change within yourself.
This year, we’ll talk about expanding your identity, expanding your influence, and expanding your impact. We previously discussed expanding your identity, and in a future episode, we’ll explore influence. But today, it’s all about impact – and how you, as a leader, can create real change.
Why Expanding Your Impact Matters
In today’s world, it’s easy to go through the motions, disengage, and get caught up in the negativity around us. Employee engagement is at an all-time low, trust within organizations is declining, and leaders are facing challenges they’ve never encountered before.
Many feel like impostors, questioning their abilities and avoiding asking for help. But the truth is, leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being willing to figure things out and lead with authenticity.
Expanding your impact starts with how you see and lead yourself. It’s about recognizing the greatness in others and fostering an environment where people can be their best. So, how do we do that? Here are five ways to activate your leadership and expand your impact.
How to Expand Your Impact as a Leader
1. Summon the Best of Who You Are
Before you can ask others to grow, you must first commit to growth yourself. Leaders who struggle to engage their teams often need to look inward first. Are you leading with intention? Are you showing up as the best version of yourself?
One of my clients once asked me to coach a newly promoted leader, hoping to shape him into a strong manager. But as we dug deeper, it became clear that the business owners themselves lacked leadership skills.
Instead of fixing the employee, we needed to start with them. True leadership begins with self-mastery – embracing uncertainty, leaning into challenges, and modeling the behavior you want to see in your team.
2. Start the Day with Intention, Not Randomness
Many business owners tell me they don’t have enough time to get everything done. My first response? Let’s look at your schedule. Often, their calendar is empty, filled with busy work, or lacks a clear structure.
Most people operate in a reactive mode, tackling tasks as they arise instead of planning proactively. This leads to inefficiency and burnout.
Instead, start your day with a clear focus. Create a morning routine that aligns with your goals. Teach your team to do the same. When you function with intention, your team follows suit, leading to greater productivity and alignment.
3. Stay Centered and Be the Calm in the Storm
Drama and negativity can destroy an organization. When leaders get caught up in chaos, their teams follow suit. Instead of reacting to every challenge with stress and frustration, cultivate a sense of calm.
A client of mine, a general manager of a busy restaurant, once told me, “You are the calm in the storm. When you come here, you bring order to the chaos.” That’s the role of a leader – to bring stability, no matter how turbulent things get. The eye of a hurricane is the calmest part, even while everything swirls around it. As a leader, your mindset sets the tone for your organization. If you’re centered and composed, your team will be too.
4. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
Struggles are inevitable. As your business grows, so will the complexity of the problems you face. But instead of resisting them, view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Many business owners I meet blame external factors – economy, competition, circumstances – for their setbacks. But true leaders ask, What could I have done differently? How can I show up better next time? Growth happens when you take ownership of your challenges and learn from them.
5. Lead by Example and Share Your Knowledge
Leadership isn’t just about personal success – it’s about lifting others up. When you learn new skills or strategies, don’t hoard them. Teach your team. Lead by example.
One of my mentors practices a “Miracle Hour” with her team – a dedicated time each day for focused, high-impact work like generating leads and creating content. It’s not just about personal discipline. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone operates with intention.
Expanding Your Impact Starts With You
Expanding your impact starts with you. It requires self-awareness, discipline, and a commitment to growth. By summoning the best in yourself, starting each day with purpose, staying centered, embracing challenges, and leading by example, you can create a ripple effect that transforms your team, your business, and your community.
Resources Mentioned
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📝 Uncover Your Biggest Blindspots with the Entrepreneur Quiz
Related Episodes
Empathetic Leadership: How to Transform Your Business Culture
What Are You Training Your Mind to Do as a CEO?
Small Steps, Big Impact: How Small Business Leaders Can Change the World
