Today's work environment has three kinds of people- those who hate their work, those who tolerate their work to get the pay cheque and those who love their job.
People who have made a real difference aren't all privileged or advantagee, in fact most of them come from disadvantaged families with limited capabilities, but have found ways to pick themselves up and rise above their circumstances to transform their own lives and those around them.
There are a few habitual ways of behaving and approaching life and work that distinguish them from those who long to make a difference but can't or won't find the way.
The behaviours that make a positive impact are:
* Those with a positive influence feel that they have found that there is a purpose to their life, and that purpose usually involves some aspect of turning their mess in to message.
People with a sense of purpose are driven, focused, committed, and lit up from the inside?—?unable to be deterred or distracted from what they believe is the reason they’re on this planet at this time. This sense of meaning and purpose gives them inexhaustible drive and offers guideposts to follow along the path.
* They understand how their knowledge isn’t 'complete'?—?there are always gaps, biases, limitations and prejudices, and new places to go with their expertise.
Innovators who positively shape the world come from a 'beginner’s mind' and a loving, compassionate heart?—?with an openness to see, learn, and experience new things on the way to being a better servant of the world.
* They’re not afraid to get 'out there'?—?connecting with others, sharing their knowledge and talents, offering their authentic and often contrarian viewpoints and opinions.
They’ve pushed beyond their shyness, insecurity, and reluctance to be who they are, and have learned how to relate well with others and build mutually-supportive relationships that catapult both parties to a higher level.
* When they see something that agitates and disturbs them, they strive to know more, get to the root of the issue, research and understand the contributing factors, and arrive at new solutions. They observe gaps and mistakes in common thinking and behavior, and trust themselves in their belief that it’s time to push the boundaries of what’s accepted.
* They engage in open dialogue and welcome scrutiny. They’re not afraid to put their work out there for others to poke holes in. They are strong and confident in the face of opposition, yet know how to integrate constructive feedback to strengthen their work and ideas.
* Those who make a true positive difference can’t help but share and teach what they’ve learned. They don’t see their knowledge as just some commodity to sell, as a meal ticket or a money maker?—?they see it as information that has to be shared with the world for its betterment.
They believe their ideas and innovations are of use and value to others, and can’t help but share those openly, and teach others what they’ve learned.
* These positive influencers want others to grow. They walk away from 'success-building' opportunities that will be hurtful and damaging to others.
They know that those unethical, demeaning or destructive approaches go against the very meaning and purpose they are committed to.
Courtesy: www.thriveglobal.com
