THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Every interaction leaves a mark. A word of encouragement, a moment of attention, a small act of kindness — each one sends a ripple that travels further than we'll ever know. This newsletter exists to remind you: every ripple matters. Start yours.
3 minutes. 1 skill. 1 insight. 1 challenge.
I’m excited to share one of my favorite life skills: Respect. Few things build character more than understanding and displaying respect.
Life Skill of the Month: Respect
Treating others the way they deserve to be treated.
Leadership is built on a foundation of life skills that shape how we show up in the world every single day. We dedicate the first issue of each month to one of those foundational life skills. We’re starting with the one that makes all the others possible: Respect.
Here’s a few tips and guidelines to practice respect in every aspect of your life:
At Home
Listen before you correct — try "Help me understand" instead of jumping in with your opinion.
Let the quietest person at the table speak first.
Speak with kindness even when you disagree — especially with the people closest to you.
At Work & School
Understand the responsibility that comes with positions of authority, and hold those positions in high regard.
Be on time — lateness sends a message whether you mean it to or not.
Give credit in front of others, not just behind closed doors.
When someone is speaking, put the phone down and give them your full attention.
In the Community
Hold the door, thank someone by name, let the person with fewer items go ahead of you.
Listen to someone's story before forming your opinion.
Treat the person you'll never see again the same as someone you would.
“When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be.” — Thomas S. Monson
Skill #4: Give Thoughtful Feedback
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” — Frank A. Clark
Great feedback is one of the most powerful gifts you can give someone. It says: I see you, I'm invested in your growth, and I trust you enough to be honest. When delivered with empathy, feedback strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and creates a culture where people actually want to improve.
It all starts with listening to understand — not just listening to respond. Before you say a word, observe. Pay attention to body language, tone, and what's not being said. That silent feedback tells you whether someone is ready to hear you — and how to reach them when they are.
Three keys to feedback that builds connection:
Listen first, then speak. When someone asks a question or raises a concern, repeat it back before you reply. "So what you're saying is…" This ensures you fully understand — and it tells them they've been heard.
Consider the whole person. What else is going on in their life? Your feedback about a missed deadline lands differently on someone navigating a personal crisis. Awareness of context isn't softness — it's wisdom.
Be specific and timely. "You need to communicate better" gives no one a path forward. "In today's meeting, when you interrupted Marcus twice, it shut down the conversation" — that's something someone can act on. And deliver it close to the moment, not weeks later.
Power Move: Think of one person who needs to hear something true from you. Before you say it, ask: Is it specific? Is it timely? Have I considered what else they might be carrying? If yes — deliver it with eye contact, with care, and then stop talking and let them respond.
From Our Community: An AIM Story
AIM (Authentic Impactful Moment) — real stories from real people closing the gap between the leader they want to be and the one others actually experience.
Kelly Timmons — Logan, Utah
I almost didn't go.
I set up a folding table at my local farmer's market with a handwritten sign: "What inspires you? Tell me your story." No product. No pitch. Just a question.
The first few people walked right past. Then a man in a faded denim jacket stopped. He told me about his nine-year-old daughter fighting a rare autoimmune condition. Every morning she says, "Dad, we've got another day. Let's make it count." I couldn't speak. I just reached out and held his hand, and he held mine back.
After that, everything changed. People started lining up — not for me, but for the space. A teacher shared about the student who changed her career. A teenager talked about the grandmother who was the only person who ever believed in her. By the end of the day, my little table had become something I never could have planned.
Here's what I learned: people are carrying incredible stories, and most of the time, nobody asks. That's the gap — between how deeply people want to be seen and how rarely anyone takes the time to look.
I didn't change anyone's life that day. But I showed up, I listened, and I was reminded why showing up matters.
We encourage you to share your AIM story using #AIM #Impact365
Super Connector
Connecting Leaders Who Create Ripples
Spotlight: Vegas for Athletes — Las Vegas, NV
Watch this video with Lt. Governor https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NOg_aqD0qr0
Vegas for Athletes is a nonprofit on a mission to protect youth athletes through life-saving heart screenings. Here’s what they’re doing and why it matters:
• The problem they’re solving: Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 medical cause of death in young athletes, and over 20,000 high school athletes in Clark County alone receive no cardiac screening beyond a basic sports physical.
• The impact so far: Over 1,300 athletes screened at 15+ community events, with 42 heart abnormalities identified — including 7 life-threatening conditions.
• Landmark partnerships: VFA partnered with Position Sports as The Heart of the Game for a heart screening event at T-Mobile Arena, screening up to 500 young athletes in a single day — inspired by Bronny James’ own cardiac event during practice.
• The P.U.L.S.E. Ambassador Program: Professionals United for Lifesaving Screening Education — partnering with NFL, WNBA, NHL, and MLB athletes to amplify awareness and bring credibility to the cause.
• VFA Summer Games 2026: A citywide youth sports competition and festival featuring 14 sports, an opening ceremony, free heart screenings, and CPR training for every participant.
• Recognition: City of Las Vegas Certificate of Recognition, a 5-year MOU with Clark County School District, and the 2025 Clark County Medical Society Winged Heart Award.
Learn more or get involved: VegasForAthletes.org
Know an organization or leader creating real impact? Nominate them for our next Super Connector Spotlight: [email protected]
That’s it for this week. Three minutes, one skill, one insight, one challenge. If any of this landed, forward it to someone who needs to read it. subscribe here: impact-gap.com
— Leland
