Use These 3 Words to Create IMPACT

​A key component of my sessions to help create IMPACT Teams is establishing Trust and Vulnerability so that you can be open with your teammate on the impact they have on you and others. It is much more difficult than it sounds, because for this to truly be impactful, it must be truthful.
 
Giving compliments isn’t easy for everyone and is something I have struggled with over the years. Growing up with a father born in the 1920’s did not allow for a ton of easy and natural positive reinforcement. 
 
For others, the fear of upsetting a teammate that could cause a rift or disrupt the chemistry is a real thing and so we focus on not only having the Courage to Challenge but being aware that HOW you challenge is important. To be a Builder and not a Blamer.
 
I’m talking about using “I See You” as a tool to build IMPACT Teams. It’s how I wrap up my talk on the Power & Price of IMPACT and part of building an IMPACT Culture.
 
The I.C.U. Framework
Acknowledging others with intentional words can strengthen bonds and create lasting impact. It also provides team members to understand that it is important to have INTERNAL focus so that you can have EXTERNAL impact.
 
I - IMPACT
Recognize the specific actions or efforts of someone on your team. It helps your teammate take an INTERNAL focus on their actions and behaviors.
“I see you making an impact by…”
 
C – CONNECT
Share why it matters to you personally or to the team. You reinforce their action and the connection it has to you.
“I appreciate it because it makes me…”
 
U – UNIFY
Explain how their effort strengthens the team as a whole. This brings the conversation from focusing on SELF so that you can have impact on OTHERS
“It helps our team by…”
 
How to Use It
It can be awkward using this at first, especially for younger people, but helping them to understand the importance and the power of acknowledging the efforts of others is part of the process. To successfully use the I.C.U. you must:

1. Be specific — name the action or behavior. It can't be generic
2. Be sincere — authenticity matters. They will see through smoke.
3. Be consistent — make I.C.U. part of your leadership habits.

 
Quick Example
“Hey, I want you to know that I.C.U. making an impact by really pushing me in our one-on-one drills to fight through screens.
I appreciate it because I was forced to not only put more effort into getting through the screens but had to work on setting you up to make it easier to get through the screens.
It helps our team when you show that type of effort in practice to simulate what we will see in games. It’s not only helping me but also helping the screeners get better of setting screens so our offense can be better. Thank you!”
 
Instituting I.C.U.s as a standard practice of your Team - in sports, business or life - will create a positive IMPACT, help CONNECT those around you, and UNIFY your team to create a powerful IMPACT that will last Beyond Today.

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