About two decades ago, I worked under a sales manager whose name you wouldn’t know and whose career path I lost track of shortly after. But in a single moment, he taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since.
At the time, I was responsible for a market where local leadership was involved in business activities like pipeline reviews but had no authority over administrative matters like leave approvals. That responsibility sat with my direct manager, this calm, composed sales leader.
One year, I needed to take three weeks off instead of the usual two. It was within my official quota, and the reason was important, a major family commitment. But the market management pushed back, suggesting I shorten the break.
I said no. I was well within my rights, and I wasn’t going to negotiate. I was young, direct, and didn’t handle pushback lightly.
My manager overheard the fallout or maybe just heard about it after. He told me to cool down and that he’d take care of it.
Later, from across the floor, I listened in on his call with the management team. No emotion. No escalation. Just clarity.
He explained: “As per labor law, he’s entitled to X days off and one return airline ticket home per year. If you want him to cut this vacation short, will you fund a second round-trip so he can use the rest of his leave later?”
Silence.
That was the end of the discussion.
Later, he told me something simple: “Don’t get emotional in conflict. Present the facts. Offer a path. Let them reach the conclusion themselves.”
What was likely just another day at work for him turned into a defining leadership lesson for me.
It reminded me that impact doesn’t always come from bold speeches or big decisions. Sometimes, it’s the quiet application of knowledge and poise in moments that matter.
And it reinforced a belief I hold strongly today:
We don’t always realize which of our actions will leave a mark. But by being intentional in how we act through habits, systems, or mindset, we increase the odds that our impact is a positive one.