Try to Make a Difference in 2010

Most people would like their contribution to make a difference. While the specifics of what they offer is likely to depend on their roles and responsibilities, it is generally accepted that there are five things that you can do to increase the quality and effectiveness of your contributions. Here are those five things.

Be imaginative. 

 
There remains a need for visioning, big-picture thinking, having a picture of what you aspire to, or whatever label you use to describe the practice of having something to look forward to. And that vision must allow also for exploring new ideas. Back in the early days of NLP, I remember Richard Bandler challenging us to think about the idea we hadn't had, yet. Not only must you have opportunities to think creatively and implement ideas that merit attention but you may also need to help others to do likewise.

Be relevant. 

 
Individuals and organizations need missions that translate big-pictures to everyday-life events. Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and other great leaders demonstrated that delivering relevance is a 3-step process.

1. Ensure that everyone knows how their job complements the organization's mission.

2. Encourage those people to find ways to do their jobs more efficiently.

3. Recognize them for their positive contributions.

A mission statement that is a 'yawn', will be an indication of its relevance.

Be specific. 

 
While it is important to think big and ensure relevance, it becomes necessary to break big ideas into manageable chunks. A company, for example, that wants to become an employer of choice would need to chunk-down its recruitment policy, how it fills new positions, and how it develops employees once they are hired.

Be actionable. 

 
Specificity opens the door for turning aspirations into actions: Talk does not cook rice. 
If you are to be a fully functioning member of an effective team, you will need

o to assign people to carry out the specific of the task,

o to provide those people with resources and timelines,

o to make sure you do not hand over or abrogate all responsibility, and

o to remain engaged in the change process.

Be accountable. 

 
It is one thing to ask others to change; it's another thing to makes changes yourself. You must be ready to change yourself (as Gandhi advised: Become the change you want to see). And your personal sense of accountability will enhance your credibility and any suggestions for ongoing improvements. Whatever your business, people take their cues from those in charge and the examples they set. By your actions, you will demonstrate your credibility and make a difference. And the payoff will be significant.