Episode 15

Liz Wiseman: Becoming an impact player

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Being competent, solid and committed isn’t enough in extraordinary times — of ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty. Impact players do far more than these typical contributors. They:

Do the job that’s needed.
Step up, step back.
Finish stronger.
Ask and adjust.
Make work light.

They have a healthy disregard for rules, although are savvy enough on how to garner support. Focusing their attention on what truly matters means they don’t need to over-work. And they find ways to solve complex problems whilst others get flustered or ask for help. They’re open to guidance, happy to share the limelight and committed to serving others. They’re remarkable people.

Liz Wiseman has studied these impact players from a wide range of organisations, understanding their mindsets, habits and practices. She shares the highlights of the book she’s written on the subject, along with some fascinating stories of inspirational people.

The best bits of these conversations are captured in my newsletter Flashes+Sparks.

Further resources

Liz’s bio.
Impact Players book.
Impact Players resources (practices, guide).
Diagnostics.

VIEW RUNNING ORDER

03.59	The difference between impact players and typical contributors.
08.01	The power of stepping forward.
09.17	How much experience matters.
11.42	Organisational context for impact players.
14.31	The traits of Silicon Valley tech companies.
17.55	An impact player is not a brilliant jerk.
20.31	The importance of intentionality.
24.30	The story of Fernando, a priest in London.
25.47	Coming to work with a sense of service.
29.47	What’s important now.
31.17	Doing the job that needs to be done.
34.26	Pivot to what you’re passionate about.
38.53	What Liz does to be an impact player.