Impacting Others for Good

Throughout life we are presented with singular chances or moments to tremendously impact others if we would only take the right action.  During these moments, the choice often requires us to do something out of our comfort zone, take time away from what we need or would like to do, or forces us to make some kind of personal sacrifice.  Unfortunately, I think more often than not, when we are presented with these moments, we often do not choose wisely.  Perhaps this is why making the right choice has such a profound impact on others and changes their feelings toward us for good.  I call these singular opportunities Moments of Truth.  If what I am saying is unclear, let me explain through some examples.

Example #1

A stressed out supervisor sees an employee who has been working very hard on a project and seems frustrated and exhausted.  The supervisor has deadlines, responsibilities, and projects of his own that seem much more important and urgent than the “little” project his employee is working on.  At the moment he sees the frustration of his team member, the supervisor has a choice.  He can choose to put his worries and assignments aside and go help his employee or he can ignore it and move on.  This is a Moment of Truth for this supervisor.  If he chooses to go help, even though he has a mountain of work himself, he will gain a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation from his employee and will greatly increase his ability to lead him in the future.  If he chooses not to, he will probably be like 99% of the other bosses the employee has had in life.       

Example #2

A neighbor sees his friend across the street is moving some new heavy furniture in to his home and could really use some help.  The “big game” he has been anticipating and waiting for all week is starting and if offers to help his friend he may miss a lot of his game.  This is a Moment of Truth.  The neighbor can ignore his friend and assume he has a plan to get in the heavy furniture, or he can take action and go over and assist probably creating a long-lasting friendship.

Example #3

A woman is running late for a meeting but notices her child must have had a very rough day at school.  Her child knows her mom has an important meeting and doesn’t expect she would ever miss it.  The woman convinces herself that she will have plenty of time to talk to her child later.  This is a Moment of Truth.  If the woman chooses to stay, she may create a lasting memory and bond with her child, if she goes, she may miss a tremendous opportunity.

These are examples of what I call Moments of Truth in life.  Each of us is faced with them all of the time.  Sometimes they are easy to recognize but often in the busyness of life they are not.  Though it may be impossible to “cease the moment” every time, if we can do it more often than not, our success and satisfaction in life as well as our ability to influence others will greatly increase.  Start looking today for them, slow down and recognize them, and when you do, make the choice that will allow you to positively connect and influence others for good.  Do it even when it may seem like it is not the logical or most convenient choice at the time.  Those who capitalize on these moments of truth will become great leaders and great people.