Clarify your impact.

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It’s amazing how clients will define their value by the things they do instead of the impact they have.  Managing the daily grind this way, it’s easy to slip into a feeling of irrelevance -- a sense that it’s all “paper pushing” without any real impact.  If you view your work that way, it’s likely that others do too.

Truth is, we are all inspired to go the extra mile if we know we’re making a difference.  Clarity of impact helps us perform better and achieve greater job security. We willingly invest ourselves in both the process and the outcome when we know that it really matters.

If you’re feeling demotivated or insecure, one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is a fresh look at your impact.  Evaluate what you do and ask, “why does this matter?”  Take your answer and apply the question again. Soon, you’ll get clearer on the impact of your work, and you’ll feel more motivated and confident in what you’re doing.  If you still feel your impact is fuzzy, consider the impact you think you can have, and then make changes to move in that direction.

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Loyalty goes both ways.

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As leaders, we want and often expect loyalty from those around us. In fact, many leaders place loyalty among the top attributes that they seek out and reward in others. 

Remember that loyalty is something that is earned, not something you are entitled to. ‎It goes both ways. The best way to engender loyalty in others is to demonstrate that you're loyal to them - that you have their backs and have their best interest in mind. This creates a sense of safety and appreciation that inspires them to respond in kind. You cannot demand or command loyalty in others and expect it to be authentic and sustainable. 

Oftentimes, being loyal means putting yourself on the line for someone, so be sure that your loyalty is true and justified. Additionally, be careful not to place so much emphasis on loyalty that you develop a blind spot to other aspects of a person.  It’s easy to overlook potential issues when you believe someone is loyal.  Strong leaders keep their eyes wide open.

Today, ask yourself: how am I inspiring and earning loyalty in others, and am I keep a balanced perspective about those who are loyal to me?  

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