10 things a positive game changer never says

July 26, 2016
With every choice you make, you are affecting every aspect of every relationship you are in, both professionally and personally.

I submit that no matter who you are, YOU are a game changer. With every choice you make, you are affecting every aspect of every relationship you are in, both professionally and personally.

That effect will be positive or it will be negative; there is no neutral effect in the context of this conversation. That is an illusion.

A positive game changer is a person who alters the future in a positive way. That can mean one of two things, the positive game changer either alters the future to be more positive or they alter a negative future to be positive.

The team, process, circumstance, project, environment, or relationship is enhanced or made better by the positive game changer.

The positive game changer is always asking, “What am I committed to do to have this turn out as a win/win?” They accept personal responsibility for how things are going and they hold themselves accountable to continually change their approach to get to a positive outcome.

A positive game changer is different, they take ownership of their responsibilities and the initiative to make things happen “because” of them. They connect what needs to be done with why it is important to them, the team, the organization, and other key stakeholders. This level of personal responsibility sparks initiative and opens the door that once appeared closed.

Positive game changers recognize that accountability is not a bad word. They recognize that it is not negative and that accountability is the only way to play at a high-performing level.

The positive game changer has come to know that personal responsibility is a liberating and energizing force.

So, I now submit my top 10 things a positive game changer NEVER Says:

1. “I don’t have a choice.”

I submit that you are always at choice. There are 86,400 seconds in everyday and I submit that no matter who you are, or what your circumstance is, you have a choice. I have observed that people allow their “Belief System” and the circumstances they are in, to limit their perception of choice.

2. “There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Positive game changers initiate action by recognizing the wide array of strengths that are at their disposal. Research suggests that the average person only realizes 10% of the potential available to them professionally or personally.

3. “I am the victim.”

Positive game changers take ownership. They realize that there are victims and volunteers. The positive game changer volunteers to accept personal responsibility for whatever is going on. They don’t ask, “Why me?” Instead, they ask, “What will I do to get to the outcome?”

4. “It’s not my fault.”

Whether the positive game changer’s actions caused the problem or not, the positive game changer focuses on finding a positive solution, rather than looking for someone to blame. The positive game changer sees the bigger picture in terms of what needs to be done to get to a positive outcome. So if the initial approach doesn’t work, they change their approach so that they change their results.

5. “We need better communication.”

Positive game changers are committed to understanding others, rather than criticizing others for not communicating or doing things the way they would. The positive game changer seeks to understand the other person’s concerns, so they can connect and give them what they need.

6. “It’s not my job.”

Positive game changers are fully committed to the team’s success—whether the team is their department, the team at-large, the entire company or their family. This team focused mindset destroys the silo mentality that often has departments working toward conflicting purposes and “RIGHT” fighting.

7. “If I only had more time.”

In today’s fast-paced, 24/7 business environment, there are constant demands that stretch us thin; however, positive game changers use their time wisely, understanding that we ALL have the same amount of time available to us. How we use it determines our level of success.

8. “Someone should hold her accountable.”

Accountability cannot be demanded or imposed. If it is, that is what I refer to as blame. When we mandate behaviors, we may get compliance; however, we may also get defiance or disengagement. True and sustainable accountability is personal; it begins with gaining agreement from others.

9. “They need to change.”

Positive game changers recognize that they can’t change others; however, they can engage others (even the frustrating ones) by honoring who they are and what they care about. This can be done authentically with a foundational understanding of yourself. In other words, positive game changers say, “Change begins with me and the actions I take to create positive outcomes.”

10. “Can you fix this?”

Positive game changers focus their energy on creative solutions. They are focused on results. They do not focus on the problem.

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.