There is something in all of us that wants to impress other people.
And for leaders, this tendency is a unique challenge. Sure, some of us feel this pull far more than others. Those of us who are applause-aholics and people pleasers yearn for affirmation and adoration. We want people to tell us we’ve done a good job.
This isn’t always a bad thing. A word of encouragement may be the fuel you need to press on through difficult circumstances. But the leaders who are most significant spend their time working to inspire and impact people—rather than simply trying to impress them.
The American politician Aldai Stephenson, known for his oratory skill, unpacked this concept by comparing two ancient philosophers:
“Do you remember that in classical times when Cicero had finished speaking, the people said, ‘How well he spoke’ but when Demosthenes had finished speaking, they said, ‘Let us march.’”
Both were great speakers, but Demosthenes moved people to action.
If the end result of your work, of your leadership, and of your life is only applause, you may be successful, but you won’t be significant.
True significance is when your leadership and your example moves others to realize their full potential and to achieve their goals.
It’s why we focus on inspiration at ADDO. Success for our company is not hearing people say that we’re great. Success for us is serving and equipping leaders to accomplish their goals and do what they were made to do.
When you can inspire people to action, you’ll have a far greater impactful on the world around you. If the people you lead simply admire you, you don’t accomplish much other than stroking your own ego. But if your leadership empowers other people to lead on their own, you’re paving the way to lasting impact.
