Think Like an Impact Player
Making an Impact at Work
Executive advisor Liz Wiseman argues that professional burnout often stems from a lack of impact rather than overwork, and in her video lesson, she explains how becoming an "impact player" can energize employees and help them avoid burnout.
What It Means to Be an Impact Player
In her video lesson, executive advisor Liz Wiseman explains how anyone can cultivate an "impact player" mindset—characterized by strategic collaboration and leadership—while avoiding burnout by contributing beyond their job description and seeking meaningful work opportunities.
Do the Job That’s Needed
To thrive in your organization, shift from a mindset of merely completing tasks to one of service by focusing on relevant priorities, collaborating beyond your immediate role, and passionately contributing to impactful work that enhances your credibility and influence.
Step Up and Step Back
To thrive in the workplace, balance leading with listening, as Liz Wiseman emphasizes that effective leadership involves stepping up when needed and stepping back to allow others to shine, ultimately fostering a collaborative environment that reduces burnout and enhances contributions.
Finish Stronger
In her video lesson, executive advisor Liz Wiseman emphasizes that impact players approach large projects by gaining clarity on success, inviting collaboration, and coordinating responses to obstacles, rather than rushing in or handing off responsibilities.
Ask and Adjust
To become impact players in the professional realm, shift focus from seeking personal validation to understanding how your work meets organizational needs, and actively seek specific feedback while demonstrating adaptability through learning behaviors, advises executive advisor Liz Wiseman.
Make Work Light
Executive advisor Liz Wiseman emphasizes the importance of balancing optimism and realism in the workplace, advocating for strategies that reduce friction and drama, enabling teams to advance projects efficiently while avoiding unnecessary burdens.
Earn Independence
To avoid micromanagement and foster independence, executive advisor Liz Wiseman encourages workers to embrace self-management by proactively identifying and executing productive next steps, positioning themselves as extensions of their managers rather than dependents.
Four Steps for Building a High-Impact Team
To cultivate a team of impact players, leaders must encourage risk-taking, create a psychologically safe environment, and actively recruit individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity, confident in problem-solving, and eager to learn and grow.
Most people want to feel like they’re doing a good job at work. But to really boost a sense of professional purpose and fulfillment, Liz Wiseman suggests enhancing a job well done by becoming an impact player. Impact players don’t necessarily do more work than others nor do they forgo their own well-being. Yet, they do consistently deliver work of exceptional value and strategically align their efforts with the priorities that energize their organization. In this way, they earn independence, gain credibility, and avoid burnout.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate leadership in attitude and initiative.
- Build influence and credibility through a mindset of service.
- Adapt and practice learning behaviors.
- Streamline communication and close feedback loops.
- Be self-managing and earn self-direction.