One of the greatest lessons I learned about how to be a good leader came from two amazing employees who work at Dick’s Sporting Goods. They did something far above their job requirements that anyone one of us would have been touched by it. I was so impressed that I wrote an email to the CEO to inform him of the types of leadership he had within his organization. Here’s what that email said…
“I wanted to send a personal email to thank two employees at your store who have made a huge impact on our family. It all started when Al and Jim allowed our mom to come in and practice her swing in your golf simulator. They even gave her tips on how to improve her game! What they weren’t aware of, is that we lost our dad a year earlier and he was her main golfing buddy. She had been depressed for quite some time after losing him and golf was the only thing that made her feel better, but the weather was so cold and snowy that she couldn’t go outside to play. When she went into Dick’s Sporting Goods to look at a new set of clubs, Al and Jim told her about the golf simulator and she just perked up! She started making weekly trips to practice her swing and hang out with her new buddies. I’m sure your simulator isn’t meant for weekly golf practice, however, those weekly trips to your store helped bring our mom back to life again. We wanted them to know the difference they made in her life and that we’re forever grateful they made the effort to help a lonely, elderly lady smile again.”
Al and Jim know how to be a leader without the title. They’re what I call, Impact Leaders; employees that take initiative for the benefit of the company and its customers. Most people think you need a title or position to take initiative or make a difference so they only do what their paycheck requires….nothing more. I call those people, “Paycheck Employees”. Impact Leaders, however, understand that leadership is not a title or position. It’s a responsibility to serve others. Men like Al and Jim will naturally gravitate toward leadership roles because they possess the qualities of a good leader, and they work in an environment that supports them taking initiative and making an impact.
Key differences between Paycheck Employees vs Impact Leaders:
What type of environment are you creating for others? Do your employees understand the importance of leadership and taking initiative? Think of what’s possible in an organization filled with impact leaders vs paycheck employees. Beyond that, think of the difference the people in your organization can actually make in this world.
About Betsy:
Featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC, Betsy Allen-Manning is a high-energy leadership keynote speaker and workplace culture strategist who helps organizations develop stronger leaders, accelerate results, and build cultures where people stay, grow, and thrive. Through her national workplace research and The DNA Keynote Series, she delivers data-backed, high-interaction presentations powered by results-driven frameworks. Betsy is also the founder of Destination Workplace™, an award-winning leadership training company trusted by some of the world’s most elite brands.
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Betsy Allen-Manning
Leadership Speaker | Best Selling Author | DISC Human Behavior Expert
www.BetsyAllenManning.com
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