Yea, you. You realize that you have an impact, right? You don’t just waltz into a meeting and waltz out. Everything you say has an effect.
Even the things you don’t say—your attitude, your facial expressions, and your body language. All. Have. An. Effect.
People are left either energized or depleted. Encouraged or discouraged. Wanting to tackle the next challenge or wanting to quit. How do you leave people?
The good news is that YOU get to decide what that effect will be. But first you have to become aware of your power. It is greater than you can possibly imagine.
Question: What effect are you having on those around you?
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http://www.colleencoble.com Colleen Coble
This is soo true, Mike! I was reading about a university study done where they observed well-to-do people and less well-off people interacting. The less well-off people were more attentive and eager to please while the well-to-do people showed body that could be construed as rude–as if the others didn’t matter. A very interesting study.
http://robert.epictales.org Robert Treskillard
And with Valentines Day right around the corner, this is also true of our relationship with our spouse. Thanks for the reminder, Mike!
Lindsey Nobles
This is so true! I HOPE that I have a positive impact. I am going to be more initial about creating this effect moving forward. I wish that I was better at communicating with others about the effect they are having on me — positive or negative.
http://sharonlavy.blogspot.com/ Sharon A Lavy
Learning to keep a smile on my face even when I’m sad. It makes me feel better and others comment on it.
But if you really want to know the impact someone has, you have to ask the people around them. ;-)
http://jasondtaylor.wordpress.com Jason Taylor
@jasondtaylor
Great reminder Michael – what wake are we leaving. I usually think of this in a really big picture way but it’s a good reminder to think of it in relation to every interaction; truth is, it’s all the small interactions added up together that’s ultimately going to leave a positive wake or a negative one.
http://www.john-gallagher.blogspot.com John Gallagher
So, true. The Power of One in any situation is enormous. Whether you are aware or unaware, it can be either constructive or destructive.
http://www.rachelhauck.com Rachel Hauck
Such a great reminder, I’ve been both the perpetrator as well as the receiver of those looks, expressions and impatient replies.
It’s my heart to exhort. As a teen, I had a lot of encouragement and the Lord reminded me of it a while ago. Sort of a “go do the same.”
But it takes secure people to live it out day to day and we can only get that kind of security when we sit at the feet of Jesus and see/hear how He feels about us.
http://bhconsulting.ca Brian Hogg
@brianhogg – thanks for the DM on the blog URL shift, appreciated!
A clear summary of the impact we’re having and how we got here. We really need to question ‘why?’ a little more.
Kimmi
Welcome back, Michael. The blog looks great. Nice! A lovely post.
http://lynnrush.wordpress.com/ Lynn Rush
Great post! Really nice reminder of how we impact one another.
I’ve been told I’m annoyingly chipper…usually by those who are not morning people **smile** But it’s not like that all the time, so thanks for the reminder this morning as I jump into another long day of work.
Have a great day.
http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker
So true. Our lives are like salt… as if we were adding flavor to those around us, those who we may not even realize are watching us. It’s in every action and interaction that we have the ability to be help someone else experience the full flavor of life through the grains of salt we leave behind.
http://idesofmay.com/ Patti May
I do have an impact on those around me, occasionally someone gives me a slap upside the head (metaphorically) and reminds me of that. I think I’m most aware of the impact people can have on me when I’m around a person who is wrapped in negativity. It can suck the energy out of me so fast I have to run, not walk, to the nearest exit. I just pray that I pass on only positive energy in my wake.
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MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
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JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.
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