Rooted Leadership, Part III
What Impact Are You Making?
How do we know if a team is good?
How do we know if a team is improving?
How do we know if a player on the team is contributing?
While our answers might differ slightly, I’m guessing we would all agree that we know if a team is good, a team is improving, or a player is contributing, because we see progress, competition, camaraderie, and winning.
To boil it down – we see a positive impact.
In our rooted leadership model, making a positive impact on the team is not the only end goal. Many of us have been there … positive reviews, up for promotion, landing better projects … yet … we’re on the verge of burnout.
The last two posts have been about leading from purpose and values.
We have seen leaders make a great impact on their respective organizations … but … because they were disconnected, their cup was empty.
We have also seen leaders who make a great impact on their organizations, and, at the same time, they can navigate complex challenges and still have energy to go for a bike ride, or date their spouse and/or spend time with their kids. They have the energy because those leaders stay rooted to their purpose, lead from their values and then make an impact.
So, how do we measure impact?
We measure purpose by looking at your rhythms of rest, community and reciprocity.
We measure values by looking at your priorities, alignment and vision.
We measure impact by looking at your relationships, personal ownership and ability to coach.
Let’s dive into that a bit deeper.
Relationships: Everything at work comes down to people. Healthy relationships are an outcome of quality communication, effective management, and empowerment of your team.
Personal Ownership: Leaders have to follow through and execute. Healthy relationships are great, but we must also execute on the goal, take responsibility when something goes wrong, and challenge when something or someone is off track.
Coach: Leaders who make a positive impact practice curiosity, take time to be strategic, and encourage the team.
The Impact Check
Grab your notebook. Rate yourself 1 (rarely true) to 5 (always true) for each question:
Do you have healthy relationships at work — ones built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect?
Do you consistently encourage and recognize others’ contributions?
Do you empower your team to make decisions instead of micromanaging?
Do you address challenges quickly and directly (within three days of frustration)?
Do you ask coaching questions instead of giving constant directives?
Do you consistently execute on key priorities without letting busyness distract you?
Self-Score Rubric:
25–30: You’re making a strong, positive impact — others thrive around you.
20–25: You’re doing well; a few shifts will amplify your influence.
15–20: You’re surviving but losing traction. Reconnect to purpose.
10–15: You’re busy but disengaged. Realign before burnout hits.
1–10: You’re running on empty — time to get rooted again.
Rooted Leaders lead from their purpose, they’re aligned with their values, and they make a positive impact in a way that fills their cup.
Our impact is seen through every interaction, decision, email, Teams’ message, client pitch, and meeting. Our impact is measured through how we coach our teams, challenge one another and work towards a healthier culture. Our impact is seen by how we think strategically and continue to look towards where we are going and how we are going to get there.
Are you a leader struggling to make an impact or feel like your impact is not evident?
If you are struggling to make an impact, and know you have the capability, lean into communicating more effectively and finding your voice. Sometimes making good decisions is not enough to make a broader impact.
If you are struggling to make an impact, and you know your team does not believe in you (think Daniel Jones, former struggling QB of the Giants and now thriving QB of the Colts), then maybe a new team, a new role, or a new org can make a difference. This should never be a leaders first inclination. Our experience shows that most leaders who struggle to make an impact where they are will struggle to make an impact where they go. In addition, where they go will probably have less patience than where they currently are.
Are you a leader making a positive impact and you want to make sure you keep preparing for what’s next?
If you are making a positive impact, think through and decide what skill you need to continue improving upon. The responsibilities you are crushing now are preparing you for what will come next. Start developing yourself today to be ready for tomorrow.
Register for Insight Executive Coaching, Distilled and/or one of our leadership academies in 2026.
As always, you can connect with us anytime. At Insight Leadership Group, we specialize in executive coaching, leadership training and management development.
In the meantime, keep making an impact, rooted in purpose and aligned with your values.
