Step out in excellence. Individuals and organizations mired in mediocrity failed to reach their potential, fall short of meeting customer expectations and do not achieve the best. Excellence demands dedication, creativity, innovation, cooperation and coordination between teams and departments. The analogy of the impact player works to explain the high bar necessary in today’s environment.
Impact players are peak performers, game changers and difference makers. They are recognized as the superstars in our organizations, schools, communities and families. They are the stars on the team, the leaders that people respect and emulate. The greater the number of impact player available, the more it accelerates and creates a critical mass necessary to reach your goals.
Organizations cannot afford wholesale mediocrity within their ranks. They must select the best talent, develop the best talent and retain the best talent. Just imagine how productive we would be if we increased the number of impact players within our group. They would realize that they are in need group of performers. Their presence would have a synergistic effect on the group. Employees would be more engaged and productive; students would achieve higher grades and test results. Businesses would consistently reach their productivity and financial targets.
There are 10 principles observed in impact players from academia, athletics, entertainment and business. This is not an exhaustive list and all of them may not be present in everyone.
Impact Player
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A Natural Fit for the Role
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Excels in areas where their talents, skills and abilities are fully utilized
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Powered by a Dream
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Driven by ambitious and stretch goals to fulfill potential and purpose
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A Student of the Game
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Continuously learning information about their field and related areas
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Fundamentally Sound
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Masters the basics through practice and mental rehearsal
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Sets High Standards
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Fully engaged to beat their personal best, which exceed job requirements
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Creative Expression
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Develops new ways to improve work and play, with a style of their own
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Passionate Execution
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Aggressively implements plans and checklists to stay on tasks
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Lead by Example
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Personal actions match their words
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Make Others Better
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Elevates team performance by teaching and challenging the effort and results of peers
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Serve Others
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Willingness to share talent and resources – give back – pay forward
Copyright © 2007 Orlando Ceaser
Please review the Impact Player poem. How do you align with the principles?
The Impact Player
He was not always an Impact Player;
A natural fit at his position.
He had to struggle through many layers
Of resistance from the competition.
He worked to get in the best condition;
While mastering all the fundamentals;
Setting high standards, filled with ambition;
Knowing success is not accidental.
She was not always an Impact Player;
A change agent, when she first reached the field.
She started thinking as a bricklayer,
Then felt she had a cathedral to build.
The game slows down the better we produce
Always passionate in execution;
Powered by a dream that’s put to good use,
To spark a leadership revolution.
We are striving to be Impact Players;
Always being creative in the role;
Tie breakers, the movers and shakers;
Willing to work hard and pay the toll.
For we do the hard work and we achieve
Superstar status that we can savor.
We are students of the game and believe
That serving others has brought us favor.
We are striving to be Impact Players;
No one questions our talent or drive.
As armored knights, we are dragon slayers,
From medieval times to this moment,
We thrive.
Difference makers willing to trample
The forces of mediocrity;
Who are always leading by example,
And making others better constantly.
We’re decisive without hesitation
From these principles we will not waiver;
Our research and investigations,
Fill us with courage and make us braver.
Copyright © 2017 Orlando Ceaser
Personal Reflections
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Review the 10 principles
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What are your strengths and where do you need to fortify your efforts?
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Pick a strength and an area needing improvement and focus on them today.
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Review the book Unlock Your Leadership Greatness by Orlando Ceaser.
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Books are available at amazon.com and orlandoceaser.com
Leadership for the Soul 