Fitting in is the path to regret. Leaders don’t fit in, they stand out. Bureaucrats fit in.
Standing out is dangerous in some organizational cultures; you’ll get beat down till you conform. Conformity is death.
Positive impact confronts the sludge of stagnant organizations.
Something:
People of impact are known for something. Reputation establishes identity, improves impact and advances potential.
Stop rowing your boat in circles till it sinks.
Not Known:
What are you known for? When people see you, what do they think? If you aren’t known for something:
- You’re stuck in can’t, won’t, or I don’t think so.
- You’re unfocused and spread too thin. Do fewer things so you can follow your passion.
- You’ve lost your dream.
- You can’t say no.
- You need everyone to like you.
Clarification:
Fame is not the answer. Be known for something in your circle of influence, that’s enough. For example, Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell’s Soup, isn’t a movie star. But, he’s known for writing 30,000 handwritten thank-you notes during his ten year tenure.
Influence grows when you’re known for something. Could it be thank-you notes?
Something positive:
- Be known for positivity. Positive focus creates positive difference.
- Transform a negative into a positive. Skillfully move through brokenness to wholeness.
- Don’t get stuck in complications and deficiencies.
- Fix something in the community.
- Create solutions. Don’t be known as a nay-saying scrooge.
- Tell others what you want to be known for.
Bonus: Being known for something is intentional not accidental. Persistently, fanatically repeat what you want to be known for.
Personally:
My dream: When people see me, I want them to think, “Dan made my life better by helping me find and expand my potential.” I don’t want to fix people; I want to hand them tools.
