In this episode, researcher and author Liz Wiseman discusses the concept of high impact players and how anyone can become one. They explore being pragmatic and adapting to what is needed now, as well as the strategies of high impact players who excel while maintaining well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with what's important, taking ownership, and achieving strong outcomes. The hosts ask for career advice and express gratitude to the guest.
High impact players thrive in environments that provide both safety and stretch, allowing them to step up and lead while also stepping back and following others.
Managers can develop high impact players by creating an environment that values impact and encourages individuals to step out of their job descriptions to make themselves useful.
Deep dives
The Power of Impact Players
Impact players are individuals who create extraordinary value in their roles and raise the level of play of those around them. They handle ambiguity and uncertainty with a mindset of seeing opportunity rather than threats. Impact players thrive in environments that provide both safety and stretch, allowing them to step up and lead while also stepping back and following others. They finish strong and well, completing their work with a sense of accomplishment and regenerative energy. Managers can create an environment where impact players thrive by fostering intellectual and psychological safety, giving permission to work in non-traditional ways, and providing challenge and support.
Developing High Impact Players
Managers can develop high impact players by creating an environment that values impact and encourages individuals to step out of their job descriptions to make themselves useful. They can provide intellectual and psychological safety, allowing individuals to take ownership and lead while also offering support and guidance. Managers can also challenge individuals to go beyond their comfort zones and stretch themselves to achieve more. It is important to allow individuals to focus on their strengths while also addressing significant weaknesses to attain a balance of skills and abilities.
The Power of Finishing Strong
Finishing strong is a key characteristic of high impact players. They complete tasks and projects effectively and ensure that their work has a meaningful impact. By having a clear vision of what a successful outcome looks like and negotiating the necessary support and resources from others, high impact players are able to navigate obstacles and finish with a sense of accomplishment. Finishing strong contributes to well-being and prevents burnout, as individuals feel a sense of fulfillment and see the impact of their work.
Taking Control of Your Career
One of the main takeaways from the podcast is that individuals have more power and control over their careers than they may realize. High impact players understand the importance of taking charge and being proactive in their work. They create, don't wait for opportunities, and take ownership of their tasks and projects. By adopting a mindset of making themselves useful and seeking opportunities to have an impact, individuals can exercise agency and control in their career development and overall success.
In this episode, Sarah speaks to researcher and author of Impact players, Liz Wiseman. Together they discuss the concept of High Impact players- people who make a difference in their roles regardless of where they are in their career or what expertise they have. Sarah and Liz discuss the role of pragmatism in the workplace, how to play with your passion rather than be pushed by it, and how to adopt a 'create don't wait' mindset to increase your impact.