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Are You Really Making an Impact as a Leader? Let’s Find Out

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Dave Crane presenting to a large, engaged audience with a text overlay asking, ‘Are you really making an impact as a leader?’

Real leadership isn’t just about keeping up with deadlines and KPIs; it’s about making a meaningful impact that goes beyond numbers. So, are you leading with true purpose, or just keeping your head above water amid endless emails and meetings?

Or are you just trying to stay afloat in a sea of meetings, emails, and deadlines?

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If you’re like most leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget why you’re here in the first place. But making a real impact doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you get intentional, reflect, and act on the stuff that truly matters.

Here are three questions — and 10 insights — that’ll help you assess where you’re at and where you can level up.

Three Questions to Help You Lead with Real Purpose

1. How Has Your Communication Style Shaped Your Career and Relationships?

Reflect on those defining moments that built (or tested) your reputation as a leader. Communication is the bridge to trust, and your words and actions tell a story that either strengthens or weakens your connection with your team.

2. What Actions Are You Taking to Motivate Your Team?

Building a motivated team isn’t something that happens by chance; it’s the small, consistent actions that count. How are you actively ensuring your team feels valued, recognized, and inspired?

3. Are You Focusing on Real Impact or Just Chasing Recognition?

It’s tempting to seek applause, but impactful leadership goes beyond seeking validation. Are your choices centred on empowering your team, or just boosting your own visibility? True leaders make decisions that bring long-term value.

10 Insights to Transform Your Leadership Impact

Stay Consistent: Consistency forms the basis of trust. Be the leader who shows up with the same energy every day, even when the pressure is high.
Listen Deeply: Listening isn’t just hearing words; it’s about understanding what’s not said. This level of listening is a game-changer for trust.
Inspire Beyond Today: Don’t just motivate for a single task. Inspire long-term growth and help your team see how today’s efforts feed tomorrow’s success.
See People, Not Roles: Recognise your team’s unique talents and personalities. People give their best when they feel seen and valued.
Balance Transparency with Authority: Transparency builds respect, but so does your ability to make decisions. Find the balance that lets you remain approachable without losing your leadership role.
Show a Path Forward: Create clear growth pathways. Even if they’re imperfect, they give people something to aim for.
Celebrate Small Wins: Small acknowledgments, like a “thank you” or “great work,” can make a significant difference in morale.
Lead by Example: If you expect honesty and dedication, show it. Nothing damages credibility faster than a leader who doesn’t walk the talk.
Create a Safe Space for Feedback: A team that feels safe sharing real feedback with you is a team that trusts you.
Never Lose Sight of Your “Why”: Leadership is often challenging and messy. Staying focused on your core purpose will keep you grounded.

Ready to Make a Real Impact?

Take a moment to ask yourself: Are you creating the impact you truly desire, or just going through the motions? Choose one of the points above and commit to making it your focus this week. Lasting change begins with small, deliberate actions. Need more support? Connect with me on LinkedIn, join our LinkedIn Challenge, or grab a copy of The Thought Leaders Playbook for a deep dive into this stuff.

It’s time to stop going through the motions and start leading with real purpose.

Your team — and your future self — will thank you.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to step up your communication game, check out our “Speak Onstage” programs for leaders like you who are ready to communicate with impact. And for a personalised, elite-level mentorship experience, visit our VIP Mentoring Program at Speak Onstage to explore how we can work together to elevate your leadership.