Your Intentions Aren’t Your Impact

Your Intentions Aren’t Your ImpactEpisode DescriptionHave you ever found yourself saying, “But that’s not what I meant”?We usually judge ourselves by our intentions, but the people around us experience our words, actions, tone, and behaviors. And sometimes, there can be a significant gap between what we intended and the impact we actually had.In this episode of Life Unlocked, Anthony explores why self-awareness requires more than understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, it also means understanding what it’s like for other people to experience you.Drawing on John C. Maxwell’s Law of Connection from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this episode challenges us to move beyond defending our intentions and become curious about our impact.Because good intentions matter, but great leadership requires awareness of the results those intentions are producing.In This EpisodeThe difference between intention and impactWhy good intentions don’t always create good outcomesHow we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actionsWhy self-awareness includes understanding how others experience usThe connection between feedback and leadership blind spotsJohn C. Maxwell’s Law of ConnectionWhy “That’s not what I meant” shouldn’t become an excuse to avoid accountabilityHow curiosity can help us respond without becoming defensiveBook & Leadership Principle Mentioned📚 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. MaxwellIn the Law of Connection, Maxwell teaches the importance of leaders connecting with people before expecting to effectively lead them.Communication isn’t complete simply because something was said. Effective leaders pay attention to whether their message was understood and how their communication impacted the person receiving it.Key TakeawayYour intentions belong to you. Your impact belongs to the person who experiences you.Strong leaders pay attention to both.Self-awareness isn’t only asking, “What did I mean?”It’s also having the courage to ask, “How did I come across?”This Week’s ChallengeAsk yourself:“What is it like to experience me?”What is it like to work with you?To disagree with you?To bring you a problem?To make a mistake around you?Then choose someone you trust and ask:“Is there anything about the way I communicate or lead that sometimes creates an impact I may not realize?”When they answer, resist the urge to explain your intentions.Listen.Stay curious.And consider whether there’s something you can learn.Quote from the Episode“Good intentions tell people what is in your heart. Your impact tells you what your leadership is producing.”-Anthony RubioReflection QuestionWhere might there be a gap between the leader you intend to be and the leader others actually experience?Continue Your Leadership JourneyContinue growing with leadership development, self-paced learning, resources, coaching content, and Life Unlockedinside the Nexa Leadership App.NexaLeadership.com/nexaappFollow Anthony on Instagram:@anthonyrubioofficialIf this episode challenged you, share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional and self-aware leader.Growth unlocks your potential. Leadership elevates it. Get full access to Anthony Rubio at lifecoachtony.substack.com/subscribe