A couple of weeks ago, on a very hot and humid Friday afternoon, I received a phone call from a senior aftermarket sales executive. This gentleman is someone who I coached some five years ago and, as a result of a great deal of sharing on both our parts, we became not only trusted business associates, but true friends.
As typical males, we do not call each other very often, but that is a subject for another day. My colleague on the phone greeted me warmly and then said, “Dr. John, did you feel the ripple this afternoon?” Of course, I had no clue as to what he was referring!
At that point, he explained that his employer was going through a very difficult business period, which of course was putting a great deal of stress on its management team, and in fact, the entire organization. I listened intently and inquired as to his comment on the “ripple effect.” He let out a hearty laugh and stated, “This afternoon in a meeting, I sounded like you and used words and sentences you used when you were my executive coach. [I used] the leadership tools you shared with me: In times of declining business, remember to ‘attack issues and not people’ and that ‘leaders need to be agile, adaptable and to operate in a changing world.’”
In times of business peril, leaders need to step up and show their true colors, skills and capability. When times are “bad,” leaders need to be bold. My friend was quite upbeat, given what he was dealing with. Under extreme pressure, he was able to calm his team, keep them together, and guide them in developing a go-forward strategy.
My colleague on the phone complimented me and said, “John, you taught me, and now I am teaching others! Do you get it? …. The ripple effect!”
“Yes, my man, I get it," I replied, humbled by his comments. After we ended our conversation, I reflected on the ripple effect in business and in life.
To nurture, teach and support another human being is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give them! The ripple effect enriches lives, changes behavior, moods, reduces fear and enables people to grow. That is powerful!
By missing chances to express gratitude, organizations and leaders lose virtually cost-free opportunities to motivate. It is important to remember that we all learn from each other. Meaningful relationships are based on shared experiences, consistency of caring and growing (developing) together.
The ripple effect is around every day. It can be a smile from a stranger that changed our mood, a boss who takes time to speak to us and compliment our work, a co-worker who makes us laugh, a pat on the back that shows someone cares or a driver who lets us turn left in front of them. Can you relate?
A leader is one who inspires us to achieve and to dream, and as a result, we pass these good experiences along. The ripple effect is a source of renewal, dedication and motivation, and unleashes people’s passion and desire to reach their potential.
The ripple effect opens our eyes to be more “people” focused than “thing” focused. The No. 1 driver of employee health, stress and productivity is their relationship with their boss. Similar to a drop of water that is released into a large body of water and creates a ripple effect, supportive leadership infuses purpose, passion and zeal into the workplace. It lights the fire of creativity and caring. The decisions and behavior of leaders today determines the success of tomorrow
“The heavy responsibility of leadership is that it is a destination other wish to arrive at.” — Crawford Loritts
A true leader is remembered by their contributions and the guidance they have demonstrated. The leader who believes in the ripple effect views employees as a “value-add,” meaning they will add value to the corporation. The fact remains that a single action has an effect over more than one person. One good deed can spawn inspiration!
Who we are as a person and a leader permeates how we manage others. Remember the negative boss you once worked for and the negative ripple effect on you and the organization? This resulted in negative performance and employee turnover. We all influence each other. The key is to remember to be aware that the ripple effect is potent and should be wholesome!
Effective leaders utilize the ripple effect to create positive ripples in their personal and professional lives. Plan to start a ripple effect day in your company! When one employee is treated with respect and kindness, others observe and benefit from the experience. Seek out ways to recognize the contributions employees make, compliment them, call people by name, invite a new employee to lunch, ask your manager how you can assist them and send out thank you notes.
To borrow from Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
The ripple effect starts with you, then, stand back and watch the waves!
EDITOR’S NOTE: We are excited to announced that our friend and frequent contributor Dr. Passante has just published a book, titled, "The Human Side: High Touch Leadership in a High-Tech World." In "The Human Side," Dr. Passante challenges readers to look at the human side of leadership, in light of the unprecedented information age, where technology can sometimes isolate employees from personal contact with their leaders. In easy-to-read chapters, he teaches leaders how to communicate better with their employees, and looks at the vital role that leaders play in cultivating tomorrow’s leaders. The book also addresses the essence of character for leaders and how leaders set the tone at the top in the culture that emerges at their companies.The book not only serves as a primer for future leaders entering the workforce, but also provides inspiration to seasoned executives to hone their skills and improve their leadership quotient.
The book is available now for $24.95, plus $3 shipping. To order a copy, send a check to:
The Organizational Development Group Inc.
46 Alfred Drowne Road
Barrington, RI 02806
