Liz Strauss (<a title="Liz on the Web" href="http://www.lizstrauss.com/" target="_blank">web</a>, <a title="Liz's Blog" href="http://www.successful-blog.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, <a title="Liz's Twitter Profile" href="http://twitter.com/lizstrauss" target="_blank">Twitter</a>) reminded me last week that a leader is someone who wants to build something they can't build alone.  Lead Change is about making a positive difference.  This year, I will spend my effort moving the "difference needle."

Moving the difference needle in our culture requires more than just a tweet chat and discounts on books or motivational posters.  It requires more than web traffic or encouraging social media interactions with a group of like-minded friends.  How can we move the difference needle in 2011?  Before the how, let's examine four questions that answer the Why and What of moving the needle.

<strong>Why improve my surroundings?</strong> If there is no lasting benefit in doing something for others, why bother?  We should all just look out for ourselves.  But something in me wants to outlive my life.  Something in me wants to create value for others.  I didn't put that something inside me, it's just there.  Our culture didn't put it there either.  Wealth and stuff won't fill the hole in my spirit.  The only value that lasts is that which lives on in others.  My treasure isn't in a bank.  It's in the lives of people.

<strong>Why move the needle?</strong> If this is just going to be a small difference,  then I'd rather be golfing.  Let's take up another hobby.  Besides, hobbyists  will not bring about cultural transformation.  Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.  If this were easy, we could just make a few clicks and it would be over.  Moving the needle and making a difference in our communities will take more than that.
<blockquote>Let's make a dent in the universe! - Steve Jobs</blockquote>
<strong>What kind of difference?</strong> The effect you have on the life of another person is either positive or negative.  There is no neutral.  To make a positive difference, you have to create a positive effect.  Generally, that means adding value.  Others judge your interaction and assign a value to the result and determine if it is positive or negative.  Others always determine the value of your interactions with them.  You determine the cost of the interaction but not the value.  Our communities determine the value.  Look around you?  What types of problems face your community or your organization?

<strong>What people?</strong> Here's the sticky part.  I don't want to just help people.  I want to help people who help people.  Leaders influence others.  If those leaders create a positive influence, they affect the next "generation" in terms of leadership.  But if the recipients simply end it there, little changed.  Sure, one generation benefited, but what about the others. I don't think one generation moves the needle.  That's why I need to be helping leaders help leaders.

Helping Leaders Grow Leaders has been the tag line for this page, but Liz gave me another challenge too.  I hope to take "help" out of my vocabulary.  It's like "try."  To paraphrase Yoda, there is no help...  only do.  Join me this year as we <em>Lead Change - Leaders Growing Leaders</em>.

We're going to discuss some new ideas for "how" to move the needle in a call this <a title="Register for the Contributors Call January 6, 2011" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1139697867">Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 8 PM Eastern</a>.  We're using a webinar tool because I have a few slides to present reviewing a survey the Contributing Members took part in during December.  Then we'll start to discuss our plans for 2011.  Will you join us for the call?  Subsequent posts will recap the conversation and talk about how the entire Lead Change community will energize, equip and encourage you to grow leaders in your sphere of influence!

<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo <a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-1625694-running-on-empty.php">Running On Empty © Richard Gunion</a></span>