Sustainable Excellence Xtras #88 - Your Actions May Have Unintended Consequences With James A. Autry

Do you have any idea how what you say or do (or don't say or don't do) impacts the people around you? 

Our words and actions many times leave an impression on someone that we had no idea of their impact. 

When I was a police officer and made a traffic stop, I was well aware that to the person I stopped, it may have been perceived as the most stressful thing that happened to them all year, while to me, it was the third traffic stop of the night. The same event had significantly different conclusions for the people involved.

Our words and actions have meaning, they are remembered, and they make a difference in the lives of the people we interact with every day.

In an article entitled, Understanding the Effect You Have On Others (Kohlrieser 6/29/2021), the author describes, "The Person Effect," which is the unique impact, positive or negative, a person has in coming across and connecting with others. It includes the person's state of being, their words, and their physiology.

Here are four reasons why our "Person Effect" is one of our most important tools when dealing with others:

1. It is the key to effectively connect with people - A positive person draws people in, while a negative person repels others. Being aware of our person effect means we understand the influence we may evoke on others.

2. It shows up in our use of language - Talking too much, not listening enough, and misusing language can negatively impact our blood pressure and heart rate. A healthy dialogue is beneficial to our overall health.

3. It impacts the Mind's Eye -  Our Mind's Eye is the way we perceive the world. The person effect directly impacts the Mind's Eye of others. If an individual's person effect is positive, others will feel inspired and motivated. Conversely, if an individual's person effect is negative, others will be pessimistic and uninspired.

4. It can create a sense of trust - Motivation is highly connected to the person effect and one's outlook and moods can be revealed in their person effect. Being encouraging and engaging can help gain the confidence of others. 

Please check out the video below to learn more about the impact our lives have on others. Also, please leave me a comment about a time when you did something that you didn't realize made an impression on someone else.