Are you a difference maker or a mood breaker? We all know someone who walks into the room and the mood changes from “life” to “silent hiding”. Why? No one wants to talk to this person because they are the life sucker who not only takes, but also puts you down and keeps you there.
What is your secret sauce to being a difference maker in your life?
In 2006 I had an incredible opportunity to not only chair our Employee Ownership Stock Program, but also to create the leadership training content for all employee owners to experience and learn. One of the resources I brought in was written by John C. Maxwell, The Difference Maker. What makes you a Difference Maker? It is simply your attitude.
I write, speak, and teach attitude often, as this is the one thing you have control over. Only you can make the decision about how you are going to enter and leave the room. How you are entering and leaving conversations? But most importantly, how do you make people feel? Everyone remembers how you made them feel over and above all other things you give them.
“Your attitude colors very aspect of your life. It is like the mind’s paintbrush; you see the world as you are!”
Here are some areas to consider for reflection and change toward making the difference you desire from The Difference Maker:
- Personality – Who You Are
- Everyone is uniquely made. When you live in the comparison gap of others this is a mood breaker.
- Environment – Who and What is Around You
- We are made up of the five people we spend the most time with.
- Is it time to have courageous conversation and create a necessary ending?
- Others – What You Feel
- Hurt people hurt people.
- Positive words have an extraordinary impact.
- Self-Image – How You See Yourself
- This is how you see others.
- Labels apply to boundaries and actions.
- Beliefs – Judgement
- What you think.
- Choices – Action
- What you do.
“Every thought you have shapes your life. What you think about your neighbor is your attitude toward him. The way you think about your job is your attitude toward work. Your thoughts concerning your spouse, the people on the highway during rush hour, and the government create your attitude toward everything you think and apply is your attitude.” John C Maxwell
I am no longer with the organization where I transformed The Difference Maker into their curriculum, but I do have the pleasure of seeing many of those employees continue to grow and make a difference not only at work but in the community in which they live.
Challenge Question: Where are you a Difference Maker in your community?
Look UP & OUT!
Tracy Worley
Are curious! Do you want to find your secret sauce of being a Difference Maker, and create original ideas through your natural gifts? New series starting in June!
Event: 5 Steps to Create The Future You Want
GRACEbreak Episode: Are You a Difference Maker? 1 of 8
Dr. Henry Cloud (2010) Necessary Endings
John C. Maxwell (2006). The Difference Maker
Tracy Worley (2015) Authentic Leadership, Authentic Self
Tracy A. Worley (2015) GRACEbreak Radio