by Lois Barth, Human Development Speaker, Executive Leadership Coach, and Author

I have a confession to make: I was a “convenient composter.” I’d compost when it was convenient when I didn’t have to travel too far to the farmer’s market composting binds or the local gardens. Whenever I did, I felt proud of myself for doing my civic duty, but only when it was convenient. I wasn’t trekking more than 10 blocks; it had to be on the way.

There was no need to question or challenge it. That was until one seemingly innocent day that changed everything. I was on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and I asked the person in front of the compost bin to share a fun fact (my favorite pastime) about composting. When they did, my buy-in changed for the rest of my life.

My Banana Peel Aha Moment video will tell you the whole story in more detail, but suffice it to say, that my commitment level went up about 1000%. One of my favorite fruits is bananas. Now, whenever I grab one on the run, I make sure to have a bag wherever I go so I can store the peel in my bag until I get home and put it in my compost bag. Once I learned the impact of my seemingly small action, I quickly went from “convenient composter” to “There isn’t going to be a banana peel in a landfill with my name on it!”

Why am I telling you a story about my passion and deep commitment to composting, you may ask? I’m telling you because, as an executive leadership coach, I work with heart-centered leaders who want to help people get out of their own way, so they can thrive personally and professionally. Unless you paint a vivid and compelling narrative of the impact of all actions, big and small, and how they either undermine or support the vision, most people will take quick fixes and shortcuts.

But when teams and individuals can see how each step along the way makes a significant impact, then commitment grows. They understand why it’s important. Why it’s worth doing it, and support others in the same way.

Whether you’re a team of one or one hundred, how do you bring the point home about the importance and recognition of impact in everyday actions from mundane to magical?

I’d love to know.

Thanks for tuning in and not tuning out.