Do we really know what impact we are having in the workplace and on others?

I am sure that the majority of us want our impact to be a positive one. We want to be supportive, kind and encouraging. But how do we know that this is the result of what we say and do? How do we know if what we intend becomes the reality? 

As I approached retirement earlier this year, someone reminded me of words of encouragement that I gave decades ago, and told me that those words had a positive impact on their career. This was lovely to hear, but I was also brought up short by the fact that my words could have so much influence. I hadn’t imagined that they would be repeated back to me many years later. I did not fully appreciate the impact that my words would and did have.

This got me thinking about people who had encouraged me. I remembered one particular incident where one of my role models asked me why I wasn’t applying for a job that had just been advertised. I had thought about it, but I concluded that I wasn’t experienced enough, that others would do it better. Her words made me think again, and even though I was shocked when I got that job she was not. She saw something in me that I didn’t see. Her impact on me and on my future were quite profound. She had faith in me and by her encouragement she made me have faith in myself. 

We are all in a position where we can and do have an impact on others, even if we do not always see it for ourselves. Friends, family, colleagues look to us for direction, support and encouragement. They may see us as role models and they mirror our actions. And we might not always realise this. But this is something that, if we want to have a positive impact, we need to be aware of. If we are seen to be kind, encouraging and supportive towards others the likelihood is that theywill be the same. If we let them know that we see their potential they will flourish and grow and become the best that they can be. 

I was humbled to think that my words all those years ago had such a powerful impact. I felt privileged to think that I played a part in someone else’s successful journey. And to be honest, I felt good. Positive feedback had a positive impact on me. It reinforced for me the need and desire to continue to encourage and support others. AndI hope that those people will then go on to do the same with others. 

When their paths cross again, in a few weeks, months or years, who knows what that person might say to their role model? But wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was, ‘You made such a difference to my life.’