Introducing Col Fink. Impactology Live is a global live virtual event, where 33 inspiring speakers were interviewed as part of this event over 3 days. This RECAP episode reflect on the key themes and learnings from this event. We draw on the rich content and insights to help you take action and make an impact.
Col Fink, who is a speaker, author and advisor to solopreneurs. Col is wonderful human who has build a trusted personal brand of simplifying the complex and shares practical lessons to help us solve the tricky problems that can linger longer than they need to.
In this interview, Col discusses making an impact greater than what is possible as an individual. And Col shares that to achieve a meaningful level of impact, you are going to need a “supportive tribe of people” around you. Col shares a simple and highly practical concept, “The Learning Loop” to amplify this message.
Col shared, if you’re trying to create lasting positive change, that makes the world a better place, people are the ultimate impact multiplier, and that we cannot achieve everything we are strive for, on our own.
Let’s cover off two themes to help you explore his lessons more deeply:
Theme 1. Bring your discretionary energy. The age old riddle, how do we get people to bring a higher level of discretionary energy to a project? Start with open communication, understanding what drives an individual and what their pain points and challenges are. Also, line of sight between their efforts and how it impacts the overall goal is crucial. Finally, identify ways to reward and recognise them in a timely and meaningful way. This says to them, “I see your effort, and you’re making an impact – I thank you!” Here's a question for you: “How can you create a space to better engage with people both within your workplace and community?”
Theme 2. Nothing meaningful happens without “contribution”
Col discussed that Engagement is complex and nuanced – it is hard to attract and retain good people.
“The Learning Loop” consisted of four phases.
1. Learning – learnt something new.
2. Challenge – being challenged in the process.
3. Progress – you make progress and receive a reward for your efforts, and
4. Contribution – share lessons and give back to your community – make the path easier for those starting out – and contribute to the advancement and development of your tribe.
The Contribution phase, is a form of paying it forward. It fosters a trusting, positive and supportive environment, it helps you building deeper relationships, and creates a ripple effect of gratitude and kindness – boosting the overall well-being of everyone in your orbit.
So here’s a reflection question to ponder, well one big question with two little follow-up questions:
“Is there someone in your tribe, at work or in your community, that could benefit from your advice and insight, where you can help them develop faster and avoid the pitfalls you may have faced? If so, when would now be a good time to reach out to them and line-up a chat? What will be the impact on them and you?
Check out the video of this interview with Col Fink via YouTube