Impact over Impression

Impact Over Impression
In leadership, we’re often faced with a choice—are we here to make an impact, or are we simply trying to make an impression? This question sat with me recently when I had the privilege of listening to Jon Fay, the retired Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Angels, speak to our organization. Jon spent his career surrounded by some of the most disciplined, high-performing individuals in the world, but what struck me most was not the technical mastery of the Blue Angels or their flawless performances—it was his perspective on leadership and life.
As Jon stood before us, he said something simple but profound: “We are here to make an impact, not an impression.” At first, it seemed like just another phrase, something that might be written on a motivational poster. But as he continued to speak, those words took on a deeper meaning.
In today’s corporate world, it’s easy to focus on impressions. We’re conditioned to think about how we appear to others, how our performance will be perceived, and how we can climb the ladder by looking good to the right people. I’ve been there—caught up in trying to say the right things, show off accomplishments, and make myself stand out in a sea of other professionals. But Jon’s words challenged that approach, forcing me to reflect: Are we doing things to be seen, or are we doing things that will make a lasting difference?
Jon shared a story that drove this idea home. He spoke about a young boy who was battling a severe form of cancer, one that his doctors didn’t expect him to survive. This boy had one dream: to meet the Blue Angels. With some effort, Jon and his team arranged for the boy to spend a day with the squadron. The team welcomed him, gave him a full tour, and each pilot personally handed him a Blue Angels pin—a symbol of their unity, excellence, and camaraderie.
Jon described the boy’s joy, the way his face lit up as he received the pins from each pilot. “The smile on his face was priceless,” Jon said, his voice softening as he recalled the moment. He explained that this wasn’t just a fleeting moment of happiness; it was a reminder of why they do what they do. “This is what it’s about,” Jon continued. “Making an impact, not just going through the motions or trying to impress.”
What struck me most wasn’t just that Jon and his team gave this boy a special day, but what happened next. After the event, one of the team’s flight surgeons came up to Jon with an observation that shifted his entire perspective on the situation.
The flight surgeon said, “What you did today wasn’t just for that boy. Yes, you made his dream come true, and for that, he’ll never forget it. But what you really did was make an impact on his family. That boy may not survive his battle with cancer, but every time his family looks at those pictures, or at the pins, they’ll remember his joy, not his illness. They’ll remember that for one day, their son was happy, living his dream.”
This perspective was profound. It wasn’t just about the immediate impact on the boy—it was about the lasting legacy left with the family. Jon realized that what they did wasn’t just a gesture to impress or lift the spirits of one person in the moment. It created a memory that would endure long after that boy’s time on Earth had ended. The family would have something to hold onto, something positive, something full of life to remember their son by.
That story hit me hard because it made me question how we, as leaders, approach our own roles. Are we creating moments that will last beyond the immediate? Are we thinking about the ripples we leave in the lives of others, or are we focused on winning approval in the short term?
Jon’s story challenged me to stop and think about how I lead my team. Am I focused on creating quick wins that look good on paper, or am I building something deeper—a foundation that will have a lasting impact on the people I lead? It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, measuring success by numbers, performance metrics, and accolades. But true leadership is about more than that. It’s about making an impact that reverberates long after the meeting is over, after the project is completed, and after the role has changed hands.
The lesson from Jon’s story is this: it’s not about what people think of you in the moment. It’s about what they remember because of the way you touched their lives. Making an impact is about creating something that lasts, something that transforms others in ways they may not even realize until later.
Reflecting on this, I began thinking of ways we can shift from making impressions to making a real impact in our daily leadership. Here are five ways we can do this—things we might not always consider:
Invest in People’s Growth, Not Just Their Performance
It’s easy to get stuck focusing on how people are performing today. But what if we spent more time thinking about how we can help them grow for the future? Building others up in ways that extend beyond their current role creates long-term value. The real impact isn’t just hitting today’s targets—it’s developing people so that they’re prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Create Memories, Not Just Results
It’s not just about hitting goals; it’s about creating experiences that people will remember. Whether it’s taking time to mentor someone, celebrating small wins, or doing something
unexpected to lift someone’s spirits, these moments often have a longer-lasting effect than any quarterly report ever will. People remember how you made them feel more than they remember what you accomplished.
Focus on Legacy, Not Immediate Rewards
Leadership isn’t just about getting results here and now. It’s about thinking in terms of legacy. How will your leadership be remembered? What will you leave behind? Ask yourself if the actions you’re taking today are building something that will stand the test of time, even after you’re no longer in your current role.
Empower Others to Lead
True impact comes when you help others realize their own leadership potential. It’s not about making sure you always have the answers or the spotlight. Sometimes, the greatest impact you can make is by stepping back and allowing someone else to rise to the occasion. Leadership isn’t about being the hero—it’s about creating heroes in others.
Be Present, Even When It’s Inconvenient
It’s easy to lead when everything is going smoothly and the spotlight is on you. But what about when things get tough, or when it’s inconvenient to be there for someone? Making an impact often means showing up when it’s hardest—when no one is watching, when the task seems thankless. These are the moments that matter most and leave a lasting impression.
As Jon Fay’s story reminded me, leadership is about more than being noticed or climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about making a lasting, meaningful difference in the lives of others—something that can be felt long after we’ve left the room. Whether it’s through a small gesture, a powerful conversation, or an unforgettable moment, the real question is: Are we making an impact, or are we just trying to make an impression?
In the end, people won’t remember the accolades or the titles. They’ll remember the way you made them feel, the ways you helped them grow, and the moments you made possible. That’s the legacy we should strive to build.