Everyone knows from the sports world that it's not always the established star that becomes the game changer. Sometimes a role player steps out of the comfort zone and provides the needed spark. Sometimes a bench-warmer makes the most out of a rare opportunity to shine. Sometimes a seemingly insurmountable competitive pressure causes a breakthrough, winning response. The same applies to every other aspect of life. Anyone can be the game changer, at least within that individual’s sphere of influence. You’re part of a group of people. Sure, you might be playing on a dysfunctional team. You might be on a team that seems uninterested in your contribution. You might be on a team that keeps winning despite you never getting to actively play. You might be perfectly content with your role and the team’s record of wins and losses. But none of these scenarios should prevent people from being gamechangers.

There are a few characteristics which apply to all gamechangers and the more you consistently demonstrate them, the greater the likelihood that you will be the game changer who receives the both the explicit and intrinsic recognition you desire.

The first trait on the list is emotional intelligence. And, yes, it might be an overused term, but influencing any change requires keen self-awareness, empathy, and an ability to adapt one's behavior depending on the situation they find themselves in. Secondly, you need to show a transparent and collaborative spirit. You don’t have to be an active “cheerleader” for your organization. You don’t even necessarily need to like everyone in the group of people you are part of. But to be the game changer, you must visibly and authentically show that you care about collective results more than any personal agendas. So, be accessible.

All people know that change is hard. The length of time between the beginning of an idea and seeing it fully realized can seem like an eternity. Gamechangers don’t give up when things get difficult. They stay determined do what’s necessary to get the desired result, even if it means “calling an audible” and making adjustments on-the-fly. To be the game changer you need to believe in your idea, stay committed to achieving the ultimate goal, but also be willing to adapt the original plan for the sake of moving forward.

But always remember that you can’t be gamechangers if you don’t fully understand the game. Some rules are non-negotiable, while others are subject to interpretation. A long-standing practice may still be in place for a perfectly valid reason, or it may now be sub-optimal given a shift in strategy or advances in information, technology and/or skills. Be a student of the game you’re playing. Seek to continually learn about your craft, about the business, about the industry, about society, about yourself.



Gamechangers http://www.warholschildren.com can turn the world upside down in the best way possible. If you’re looking to be amongst them and be the game changer http://www.warholschildren.com in your group, team or simply in life, you’ve come to the right place.