In our pursuit of leadership and influence, whether as business owners, entrepreneurs, or in any other capacity, the ability to read the room and understand the situation is a crucial step.

Reading the room plays a vital role in transitioning from a self-centered perspective to a more conscious awareness of those around us and the impact we have on them.

My work focuses on established leaders who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the world through their business. To move toward a clear vision of your legacy and the impact you wish to have, lifting your gaze is essential. Without looking around, there is a risk of becoming trapped in self-centeredness or pursuing goals that solely benefit oneself.

The path you’re currently on may not be the one you wish to take in life. Therefore, today, we will explore ways to broaden and shape your approach to the world by looking around and giving more significance to what you have learned about yourself through introspection.

From a perspective of creating positive impact in the world, it is crucial to consider the context in which we operate. In a business setting, this entails examining the operating environment, the business model environment, key trends, market forces, industry forces, and macroeconomic factors.

Since you are someone who seeks to contribute and make a difference through your time, talent, and resources, it is important to explore how you can achieve that goal. I would like to suggest three steps to inform your practice of looking around:

1. Consider what you genuinely care about and want to contribute to in a positive manner through your efforts

This could involve issues or causes you are drawn to or injustices you aim to correct. Reflect on the ideas or patterns which emerge when you look back on your life. Do you see any indications of these issues or themes reflected in your past actions and endeavors, even if not as clearly as you envision for the future?

It’s important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers here. Each person’s path is unique, and we seek alignment and fulfillment based on individual values and aspirations.

2. Identify areas where you have control or decision-making authority

These are the levers you can pull to influence the issue or area you care about. Examine your business model and assess if there are ways to behave or make decisions that align with your desired contribution. Instead of treating your business solely as a tool to generate profit for external donations, consider integrating a “doing good” approach into the core of your business. This could involve changes in hiring practices, leave entitlements, worker conditions, or even aligning with financial institutions that reflect your values.

By starting with areas within your control, you avoid becoming overwhelmed by tackling large systemic issues immediately. Instead, you can make a significant impact by focusing on yourself and intentionally aligning your decisions and actions with your values.

Your decisions and actions should speak volumes about your character and values, reflecting a conscious and intentional approach. Disconnected philanthropy, distant investments, and heartless business practices do not align with the leader you aspire to be. It’s time to weave together a coherent strategy that encompasses your values, positively impacts the world, and doesn’t require constant defense or justification.

The third step requires more reflection and research.

3. Assessing your existing skills, experience, and resources to contribute to the issue or area you have identified

If there are gaps, seek out individuals or organizations already doing impactful work in those areas. Recognize that you don’t need to have all the answers or solutions yourself. Collaborate with others to fill the gaps and amplify your impact together.

I understand that these concepts are vast and require time, reflection, and guidance to fully integrate into your life. If you feel a sense of resonance and want to delve deeper into their application to your life, I encourage you to reach out to me for a potential one-on-one collaboration. 

Together, we can explore how to design and bring to life an aligned, values-driven legacy that leaves a positive impact on the world. Working with me is akin to having a personal trainer at the gym. While you must put in the effort to achieve growth and transformation, I can provide proven methodologies, strategies, and practices that will help you unlock your potential more effectively. 

I can guarantee that by working together, you will become more impactful, experience greater fulfillment, and navigate the unique ways in which you can use your time, talent, and resources to create a legacy far greater than yourself.