The idea that one person can make a difference sounds cliché—something you’d expect a coach to shout during a timeout or a motivational quote to pop up on a poster. History is full of examples of individuals who’ve changed the world, like Dr. Jonas Salk, who created the first polio vaccine and saved millions of lives. And then there are other names you’ll recognize:
Mahatma Gandhi
Abraham Lincoln
Rosa Parks
Martin Luther King Jr.
Nelson Mandela
Alexander Graham Bell
These people had monumental impacts on society, politics, and science. I’m not here to compare the achievements of equal rights activists or groundbreaking scientists to Caitlin Clark’s accomplishments. That would be silly. But Caitlin Clark’s story serves as a fantastic example of how one individual can have an enormous impact on their team and an entire industry.
Caitlin Clark, for those who don’t follow sports, is one of the most talked-about players in women’s basketball. She elevated her team to the playoffs for the first time in eight years and brought unprecedented attention to the sport. When she played the Chicago Sky, ticket prices soared—something almost unheard of in the WNBA before this year. She didn’t just perform well on the court; she increased viewership, sparked conversations about the WNBA, and generated excitement for women’s sports across the country. She’s become a catalyst for change in a way few athletes can claim.
Now, you may be sipping your coffee and wondering how this relates to your life or your business. Here’s the kicker: you can be the difference maker in your office, in your team, and in your workplace. You might not single-handedly change the entire culture or dramatically increase sales, but your actions, your mindset, and your commitment can have a tremendous ripple effect.
Here are three simple things you can do to make a tremendous impact—whether you’re at the top of the hierarchy or just starting out.
1. Speak Up
Often, the loudest voice in the room wins, even when the best ideas don’t come from them. This can be frustrating and counterproductive. If you hear a great idea from someone who isn’t being heard, speak up. Ask for more details. Don’t let the loudest voice drown out innovation.
Being an advocate for good ideas isn’t always easy. Sometimes, standing up to dominant personalities in meetings takes courage. But if you speak up and show support for the ideas you believe in, you’ll encourage others to do the same. This simple act can lead to a culture where thoughtful ideas are valued over volume.
2. Offer Help
Caitlin Clark’s on-court magic isn’t just about scoring points—it’s also about assists. In basketball, an assist is when you pass the ball to a teammate who’s in a better position to score. This applies just as much in the office as it does on the court.
Helping your coworkers doesn’t just benefit them; it benefits the entire team. Offer to lend a hand, share knowledge, or provide feedback on projects. Since I started my own business, I’ve been fortunate to have people ask, “How can I help you? What kind of leads are you looking for?” Those people are gold, and they’ve made a huge difference for me.
Sometimes, offering help doesn’t even mean giving advice. Often, people just need someone to listen to. After several years of marriage, I’ve learned that not everyone wants you to solve their problems—they just want to be heard.
3. Smile
A warm smile can change the energy of an entire room. When I used to teach customer service training, one of our core tips was, “smile over the phone.” It sounds strange, but it makes a difference. You can actually hear a smile. It’s hard to stay upset or frustrated when you’re smiling.
Smiling often puts people at ease, and it’s contagious. Start a meeting with a big, genuine smile and see how the mood of the room changes. People relax, become more open, and the meeting becomes more productive. A simple smile can set the tone for collaboration and positivity in your workplace.
One Person, One Impact
You don’t have to be an international icon to make a difference. Caitlin Clark didn’t set out to change the WNBA—she just brought her best to the court. Her focus and talent inspired others, and as a result, the league is now in the spotlight.
In your office, you can create that same kind of effect. Whether it’s by advocating for great ideas, offering help to your teammates, or simply spreading positivity through a smile, you can be the catalyst for change. Like Caitlin, your actions might start small, but the ripple effect can be enormous.
So, the next time you wonder whether you can make a difference, remember that you absolutely can. Start by making small, meaningful changes today—and who knows? You might be a game changer!
Ready to elevate your game? Reach out at rkrit@ronkritconsulting.com.
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