Liz Wiseman, an author and executive advisor known for her research on leadership, dives into her latest book, 'Impact Players.' She discusses what sets impactful individuals apart in the workplace, highlighting attributes that enhance productivity and team dynamics. Wiseman shares insights on navigating ambiguity, fostering an empowering leadership style, and addressing systemic bias, particularly for women and people of color. Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, she encourages listeners to expand their roles and amplify their influence.
Impact players excel individually while enhancing team performance, showcasing qualities like collaboration and proactive engagement in ambiguous situations.
The proactive mindset of impact players allows them to tackle undefined challenges, demonstrating leadership and fostering teamwork amid uncertainty.
Effective leadership creates a balance of safety and challenge, enabling impact players to thrive and contribute meaningfully to organizational culture.
Deep dives
Understanding Impact Players
An impact player is defined as someone who stands out in a team, making significant contributions while also enhancing the overall performance of their colleagues. This concept, rooted in sports terminology, applies to workplace dynamics where certain individuals not only excel in their tasks but also foster a positive atmosphere that elevates everyone around them. Through interviews with numerous managers, it was found that while leaders can quickly identify their impact players, distinguishing the specific attributes that set them apart is often more challenging. Impact players are not just top performers; they demonstrate qualities such as collaboration, initiative, and the ability to take on necessary tasks beyond their formal job descriptions.
The Attributes of Impact Players
Impact players possess distinct characteristics that contribute to their effectiveness in dynamic environments. They are described as present, open, flexible, curious, and ready to jump into action when needed, effectively positioning themselves to support their teams. This readiness is illustrated through examples of athletes who maintain an engaged posture while waiting on the sidelines, illustrating the importance of being prepared to step in when called upon. By embodying this proactive mindset, impact players manage to alleviate tension within their teams and ensure that work progresses smoothly, benefiting the group as a whole.
Navigating Challenges with Opportunity
Rather than shying away from ambiguous situations, impact players encounter these challenges with a mindset focused on identifying opportunities. They approach less-defined problems by taking ownership and responsibility, even when those issues technically fall outside their official roles. This ability to step into 'white spaces' where responsibilities overlap demonstrates their commitment to the team's success and willingness to contribute significantly. This characteristic of seeking out and addressing unclear roles enables impact players to exercise leadership and foster collaboration in environments that may lack clear direction.
The Importance of Leadership Dynamics
In environments where leaders foster safety and stretch, the balance allows impact players to thrive and demonstrates the essential qualities of good leadership. Effective leaders create opportunities for team members to take initiative while simultaneously ensuring that they feel secure in their roles. This equilibrium is critical because it enables individuals to feel empowered to pursue challenges and explore their capabilities. Leaders must recognize the importance of this dynamic, as it directly affects team performance, morale, and the overall culture of the organization.
The Role of Self-Management in Leadership
Self-management among team members frees leaders to focus on strategic initiatives rather than micromanaging daily tasks. Impact players exemplify self-management by being proactive in understanding their leaders' priorities and contributing in ways that align with organizational needs. This practice not only reduces the workload for leaders but also empowers employees to take charge of their own effectiveness and growth. By actively seeking to understand the team's goals and stepping up when necessary, impact players enhance not only their own contributions but also the overall functioning of the team.
Liz Wiseman is an author, a researcher, and an executive adviser, and we are talking about her new book, Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact. Liz has done research across organizations around the world, talking to managers about what impact players look like, what sets them apart, and how they contribute. With this research, she gives us language to recognize the attributes of an impact player and to grow those characteristics in our own lives to make our work and our impact more fulfilling.