Are you ready to stop simply getting by at work and start standing out as a true leader? Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman is packed with insights to help you do just that. This book is about more than just doing good work—it’s about doing work that makes you invaluable. Let’s dive into the key takeaways and see how you can apply them to transform your career.
Why Read This Book?
You might wonder, “Isn’t ‘showing up and doing my job well’ enough?” And sure, in most workplaces, it’s a good start. But as Wiseman argues, if you want to become someone who truly makes a difference, you need to be more than just a good worker; you need to be an “Impact Player.” This book is for anyone who wants to become indispensable, not by working harder, but by working in a way that truly moves the needle for their organization. Wiseman helps you see what high-impact contributors do differently and how you can join their ranks without burning out.
What’s an Impact Player, Anyway?
Impact Players, as Wiseman defines them, are the people at work who don’t just solve problems—they create opportunities, lift others, and bring a contagious energy that inspires those around them. These people don’t wait to be told what to do, nor do they limit themselves to their job descriptions. They adapt quickly, take on challenges, and see each obstacle as a chance to learn and grow. These aren’t always the people with fancy titles or big offices, but they’re the ones you go to when you want something done right.
Impact Player’: How to Lead, Stand Out, and Multiply Your Impact”
Liz Wiseman’s Impact Players identifies five key behaviors that set high-impact individuals apart. Let’s explore each in more detail, with examples and actionable steps to help you incorporate them into your own work.
Do the Job That Needs to Be Done
Impact Players don’t limit themselves to the duties outlined in their job descriptions. They have a knack for identifying what’s truly essential and shifting their focus to tackle it head-on. Instead of waiting for permission or sticking to the script, they look around and assess where they can be of the most value.
In today’s fast-paced work environments, priorities shift constantly, and Impact Players stand out because they’re flexible, proactive, and willing to dive in where they’re needed most. This approach isn’t about ignoring your own responsibilities but rather about having an eye for what’s urgent and impactful.
- Real-Life Example: Imagine an employee on a marketing team who recognizes that a high-priority client has a campaign issue that needs immediate attention. Even though troubleshooting isn’t their primary role, they dive in, coordinate with the relevant teams, and ensure the campaign is back on track. This type of initiative signals leadership potential and shows dedication to the organization’s success, rather than focusing solely on their individual tasks.
- How to Apply It: Start by regularly assessing what’s most important to your team or organization right now. Ask yourself: “Where could I add the most value today?” This might mean pitching in on an urgent project or temporarily focusing on an area that isn’t traditionally your responsibility.
Step Up, Then Step Back
One common misconception is that leaders need to constantly be in control. Impact Players, however, know when to step forward to lead and when to step back to support others. They aren’t constantly pushing for visibility or credit. Instead, they adapt to the team’s needs, sometimes leading an initiative and other times supporting or mentoring others to help the project succeed.
This balance between stepping up and stepping back builds a collaborative team culture. It also helps teams become more resilient because everyone has the chance to take ownership and contribute fully.
- Real-Life Example: Think of a team member who initiates a major project by setting it up and getting it on the right track. Once things are in motion, they encourage other team members to take over specific parts, letting others grow in confidence and ability. This approach not only gets the project done but also develops the team’s overall capabilities.
- How to Apply It: Look for situations where you can both contribute and empower others. Maybe you’ll lead a meeting by setting an agenda, then let others share their insights without constantly guiding the conversation. Or, if you’ve recently led a project, support a colleague’s initiative next. This balance makes you a trusted team player and an adaptive leader.
Finish Strong and Sweat the Details
Finishing strong is all about delivering work that’s polished and complete. Impact Players pay close attention to the details and refuse to cut corners or settle for mediocrity. Instead of “good enough,” they’re driven to deliver high-quality results, knowing that the small details can often make a big difference in the overall impression their work leaves.
This principle of “sweating the details” also means taking the time to double-check for errors, anticipate any follow-up questions, and make sure the final product represents the best of their abilities.
- Real-Life Example: Imagine a report being prepared for a client. A typical contributor might complete the report and send it as soon as they’ve covered the basic requirements. An Impact Player, on the other hand, would go the extra mile: they might add relevant visuals, ensure the formatting is consistent, and perhaps include an executive summary that highlights key insights. When that report lands on the client’s desk, it’s not just functional—it’s impressive.
- How to Apply It: For your next project, plan for a little extra time to refine and polish your work. Review it from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about the task. Are there any details missing? Are there potential improvements that would make it easier to understand or more impactful? This attention to detail is what separates good work from truly great work.
Be Easy to Work With
Surprisingly, one of the most distinguishing traits of Impact Players is their approachability and flexibility. They make working with them a positive experience by adapting to different team members’ needs, keeping a positive outlook, and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Instead of being known as the “indispensable genius,” they become the “go-to collaborator” who’s a joy to have on the team.
Impact Players don’t let ego or stress get in the way of their work relationships. They know that creating a smooth and productive work dynamic benefits the entire team, boosting morale, and leading to more cohesive work environments.
- Real-Life Example: Consider someone on your team who always seems willing to listen and support others’ ideas. Even when they disagree, they do so respectfully, making them someone people feel comfortable approaching with new ideas or issues. This approachability makes them a key part of the team’s success.
- How to Apply It: Aim to be adaptable in your interactions. Pay attention to the work styles and needs of your teammates, and practice flexibility. In meetings, let others share their ideas fully before offering feedback. By creating a space where people feel valued and heard, you not only improve the team dynamic but also become someone people naturally turn to for collaboration.
Make Work Light for Others
Impact Players don’t just focus on their own workload—they actively seek ways to make work easier and more efficient for everyone around them. They look for opportunities to streamline processes, clarify confusion, or provide helpful resources. This isn’t about doing everyone else’s work; it’s about making the entire team’s load lighter by being a force of organization and clarity.
They’re the team members who might create a resource library, set up a shared calendar, or document a process that others can reference. By reducing the friction and making things smoother for everyone, they uplift the entire team’s productivity.
- Real-Life Example: Imagine someone on your team who, instead of just submitting their part of a project, creates a checklist that everyone can use to ensure all tasks are covered. Or, perhaps they take time to develop a set of templates that streamline report generation for the entire team, saving everyone time in the future. These contributions may seem small, but they build a reputation as someone who “makes things happen” and is constantly thinking about the team’s overall success.
- How to Apply It: Think of one small way you could make things easier for your colleagues. Could you simplify a process, share a resource, or even compile feedback into a single document for easy reference? These small acts add up, making you a true team asset.
Why Do Impact Players Matter?
According to Wiseman, Impact Players aren’t just valuable to their companies—they also find greater fulfillment in their work. When you make a meaningful difference, you feel a stronger sense of purpose and satisfaction. Organizations thrive with these high-impact people who don’t just complete tasks but inspire a culture of ownership, resilience, and trust.
The Best Part? You Can Start Today
Wiseman’s advice isn’t reserved for seasoned leaders or top execs. Anyone at any level can start applying these principles. Begin by looking for ways to add value where it’s needed most, even if it’s outside your typical responsibilities. Practice humility and collaboration, focus on finishing strong, and look for ways to support and uplift your team. These small shifts can set you on the path to becoming an Impact Player.
Join the Conversation!
Are you working to become an Impact Player, or do you know one? Share your thoughts and experiences below! What has helped you go beyond the basics at work, and which of these behaviors are you planning to adopt? Let’s talk about how you’re transforming your approach, and inspire each other to create more value in the work we do every day!
Transform your approach, boost your career, and inspire your team—pick up Impact Players by Liz Wiseman and start making waves today!
5 Quotes from Impact Players That Will Stick With You
- “Impact Players are the ones who don’t wait for direction—they step into the white space and figure out what needs to be done.”This is the essence of proactive leadership. Impact Players don’t wait to be told—they take initiative, even in uncertainty.
- “It’s not about doing more work, it’s about doing the work that matters most.”A gentle reminder that hustle alone isn’t the goal—it’s about focusing your energy where it will have the greatest effect.
- “While others see problems, Impact Players see opportunities to lead, learn, and contribute.”This mindset shift is a game-changer. Instead of ducking challenges, they lean in and grow from them.
- “Impact Players earn influence not by seeking authority, but by being useful and dependable.”Influence isn’t always about title or position—it’s about trust, consistency, and value.
- “They make heavy work feel lighter—by bringing clarity, calm, and collaboration to the chaos.”In stressful moments, these are the people others want by their side. They steady the ship and keep things moving.
