Impact Players Summary

What sets the exceptional teammates apart is their natural ability to adapt, lead without being told, and inspire others to perform at their best.

1. Think Beyond the Job You Have

Impact Players don't just do their assigned jobs; they look for where they are truly needed and step up. Liz Wiseman highlights that this mindset separates those who make an extraordinary difference from the rest. These individuals don’t hesitate to meet challenges head-on or fill a gap when urgency arises.

For example, the case of Monica Padman demonstrates this principle. While working as a babysitter for Kristen Bell, instead of asking for career favors, Padman contributed where she was needed and forged a new opportunity. Her collaboration on a podcast with Dax Shepard changed the trajectory of her career.

This proactive focus positions Impact Players as indispensable to their teams. Others might stick strictly to job descriptions, but Impact Players instinctively adapt to meet pressing needs—and they get noticed for it.

Examples

• Monica Padman saw an opportunity to help outside her acting goals and landed a long-term creative collaboration.
• Professionals who solve non-obvious problems often gain trust and recognition as problem-solvers.
• In workplaces, these players tackle tasks that others might overlook, stepping up at the critical moment.

2. Keep Your Eye on What’s Important Now (W.I.N.)

To work effectively, successful employees don’t just focus on their individual tasks—they pay attention to the broader team or organization priorities. They ask: What’s Important Now?

A youth soccer coach’s advice illustrates this: the best players don’t fixate on their own movements but constantly scan the field to adapt to real-time circumstances. Similarly, workplace professionals contribute more when they align their work with top priorities.

By identifying the organization’s W.I.N. and aligning their skills to address it, workers can multiply their contributions. Proactively sharing this alignment with leaders sends a clear message that they understand the organization's goals and wish to collaborate.

Examples

• Soccer players prioritize their overall game strategy by staying aware of team dynamics.
• Employees who identify ways to improve procedures demonstrate their understanding of organizational needs.
• A nonprofit worker aligning efforts with immediate goals, like volunteer recruitment, creates impactful value.

3. Leadership is Not a Permission, It’s a Mindset

Impact Players understand that they don’t need a formal title to make a difference. They take charge when leadership is needed and bring others along on the journey. This starts with spotting and addressing everyday inefficiencies or problems.

Betty Williams, an office worker, became an agent for change during the Troubles in Ireland. By organizing protests with Women for Peace, she stepped into a leadership role without waiting for approval or special power. This action reduced violence and inspired others to follow her lead.

Ordinary contributors wait for direction; Impact Players act. When confronted with a lack of leadership, they take collaborative steps to get things done. By doing so, they turn small opportunities into meaningful achievements.

Examples

• Betty Williams initiated a movement during a political conflict, showing leadership from the ground up.
• An office worker who ensures meeting agendas are clear saves hours for their team.
• Team members who create tools to simplify workflows make themselves invaluable.

4. Follow Through Until the Job Gets Done

Impact Players don’t hand off problems or leave tasks unfinished—they persist until the work is complete. They are detailed, resilient, and have grit, which makes them invaluable when unforeseen challenges arise.

Parth Vaishnav’s story highlights this. Despite facing a software bug that stalled millions of hours of work at Salesforce, Vaishnav didn’t just escalate the problem—he fixed its root causes. His persistent efforts not only resolved the issue but also led to preventive measures for the future.

While others may pause when problems occur, Impact Players keep going, rallying help when required and closing issues completely. They’re determined to see things through, no matter the obstacles.

Examples

• Parth Vaishnav’s relentless approach at Salesforce solved a coding emergency.
• Problem-solvers focus on the finish line even under high stress or pressure.
• Teams that persist end inefficiencies that waste resources over time.

5. Seek Feedback and Evolve

To grow, Impact Players leverage feedback as a tool for fine-tuning their performance. Much like musicians fine-tuning instruments, professionals can refine their contributions by aligning their work with external advice.

Braden Hancock’s story is inspiring here. Even without traditional qualifications, he sought consistent feedback during internships, which helped him refine his technical skills and gain a foothold in computer science research. Today, he continues to seek advice and maintain relationships with mentors.

Requesting feedback keeps you coachable and improves how you’re perceived by leadership. The willingness to adjust based on guidance ensures ongoing development.

Examples

• Musicians ensure harmony by tuning their instruments.
• Hancock’s systematic feedback loop helped him build credibility despite inexperience.
• Professionals who tweak their work based on input show adaptability.

6. Simplify Complexity and Lighten the Load

While hard work is valuable, adding unnecessary complexity can make things harder for everyone. Impact Players reduce workloads through efficient communication and streamlined actions.

Karl Doose, a young manager, exemplified this by distilling complex data into a three-slide presentation for his boss. His clear messaging not only made him easy to work with but also helped him shape his role meaningfully at a young age.

Making tasks easier or communications more direct saves everyone time and energy, multiplying impact without creating more work.

Examples

• Karl Doose communicated ambitions through concise presentations.
• Leaders prefer teammates who simplify, not overcomplicate.
• Clear, summarized discussions reduce confusion and save hours of cross-talk.

7. Always Look for Problems to Solve

Some people run away from challenges, but the most impactful individuals run toward them. Identifying problems before they are raised shows initiative and a solutions-driven mindset.

For instance, professionals who turn inefficiencies into scalable tools often have a large impact. They seek opportunities others avoid and thrive on resolving what feels overwhelming to others.

By tackling issues early, these players build an outstanding reputation for taking ownership and ensuring progress.

Examples

• Finding ways to digitize manual processes introduces time savings.
• Employees who tackle office inefficiencies build goodwill with teams.
• Those who propose solutions get promoted faster than those who let problems linger.

8. Adaptability Trumps Rigidity

Impact Players remain flexible in high-pressure environments, adjusting strategies as circumstances change. They act like dynamic problem-solvers while others may freeze or lose perspective.

Adaptability is like the youth soccer player constantly scanning the field; it makes you invaluable to a team. This also requires coordination and a willingness to jump into new solutions.

Being versatile means staying open to learning or collaborating differently, bridging gaps, and facing challenges head-on.

Examples

• Adaptive professionals re-prioritize when sudden shifts arise.
• Flexible thinkers innovate faster in high-change industries.
• Leaders notice those who quickly pivot to remain effective.

9. Inspire Collaboration

Impact Players don’t just lead; they build an environment where others want to contribute. By empowering their team or collaborating constructively, they multiply overall success.

From resolving workplace inefficiencies to rallying colleagues around a shared goal, they inspire an ethos of shared responsibility. Betty Williams’s peaceful protests are an example of how collaboration scales impact far beyond one individual’s capabilities.

Through teamwork and encouragement, effective professionals ensure others join their efforts enthusiastically.

Examples

• Every successful team relies on good collaborators who inspire.
• Betty Williams galvanized women into action, collectively saving lives.
• Collaborative leaders champion group success, not solo wins.

Takeaways

1. Identify problems or inefficiencies within your surroundings and aim to solve them proactively. Don't wait for instructions.
2. Seek feedback consistently and show that you value the guidance by adjusting your approach and sharing results.
3. Simplify communication and workflows—become the person who lightens the load instead of adding complexity to challenges.