Inspiration versus Perspiration

 Inspiration versus Perspiration 

John Hattie's work revolves around a lot of moving pieces and ideals, but none more than "Know thy impact." Understanding what our words and actions can do, makes all the difference in the world in how we deliver them. At any level, in any position, we are impacting and influencing the people we talk to and interact with each day. It really doesn't matter who I am--it goes through every level of a Fortune 500 company the same as it does in a classroom. Whomever is speaking or interacting with others has an impact on them, like it or not it's happening. Every word, every look--it all contributes to your impact. 

And here's my question; What does your impact produce from others? Do you inspire them or make them perspire? 

I'm sure that I'm not the only one that has had "that" boss. The one that when they called me into their office or even walked by, I cringed and my stomach knotted up, feeling that I wasn't ever doing enough. 

But I've also had folks in my life that every time I talked to them, or heard them speak, I felt like I could take on the world. 

To me, these are the two polar opposites in leadership styles and beliefs that we see today. Some folks feel that the more they make you sweat, the more that you fear their mere presence, the more you will produce for them and fall in line. On the other side of the coin, there are folks that lift you up, and promote the benefits of a singular, upward direction for everyone in the organization.

Personally, I like to live on the positive side of this coin. I understand that the more I give of myself, the more that I do and (even more so) say to support and uplift those in my charge and interact with, the bigger and better the outcomes will come for all of us. 

So make the choice--do you want to build people up to be the best that they can be, or just make them sweat the impact of your presence and expectations.