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A woman was walking along the beach one day after a big storm and saw thousands of starfish washed up on the beach. Not far away, she saw a young girl throwing starfish back into the ocean.
“What are you doing? ” the woman asked as she approached the girl.
The girl replied that the starfish would die if they were not returned to the ocean.
Then the woman looked down again and saw thousands of starfish on the beach.
“Why bother?” “What does it matter?” the woman asked, somewhat skeptical.
“It matters to this one,” replied the girl as she grabbed another starfish and threw it into the water.
There are many versions of this story, and a friend reminded me of this beautiful parable. I immediately thought of the many people I meet in workshops who probably wonder if they make a difference for others. There are some insights into the starfish story that can help you make a difference and grow in leadership.
It shows that true leadership is about making a difference for one person or one problem at a time by making connections and empowering others to use their strengths, much like a starfish uses its five arms.
The story of saving starfish means that individual, focused, and even small actions can have a significant impact and value. It motivates an individual to take an effort to inspire others to take action. Even if someone is cut off from a group or organization, like a starfish cut into parts, those parts will grow to be starfishes again. For me, taking action, empathy, using your talents, responsibility, self-reliance, and purpose are key ingredients.
Focus on Impact, Not Scale
Leaders shouldn’t be discouraged by the magnitude of a problem; rather, they should focus on the “one” person or task they can help right now. Impact isn’t always big, loud, or even scalable. It’s about showing up intentionally for the person in front of you. That means that you have to be in the present, the here and now, and able to listen and act.
Often, I stand in front of groups, and I am grateful for the applause at the end. But I really feel joy and fulfillment when someone walks up to me and says the experience has made something clear about what they’re struggling with. That can be very emotional when someone hugs me or sheds a tear. I know that I have made an impact on someone.
Discover The Power of One and Small Steps
It’s comparable to making an impact. Meaningful change often begins with small, consistent actions that have a “ripple effect.” There are other versions of the story in which bystanders are compelled to help throw starfish into the water. It shows how the initiative of one person can spark a cultural shift in a group or organization. But it’s also about taking responsibility and using your talents, skills, and qualities to help another person and to create the best life possible for yourself and those who are close to you.
Focus on what can be done
You often face skeptics (the old lady in the story about the Starfish) who tell you that small efforts are futile. The story encourages you to focus on what you can do rather than being paralyzed by the things you cannot. I know someone who is actually triggered to do anything possible if she is confronted with the message that something cannot be done.
Take Proactive Action
The protagonist does not wait for help; they take initiative and do not wait to be told what to do (like throwing starfish back into the ocean). If I have an opportunity to help someone, to make a difference, I take it. It does not have to be bold and big. It can also be by opening the door for someone or carrying groceries to a car.
Cultivating a Culture of Care
If you prioritize individuals and take responsibility, people feel good. It’s about seeing and hearing others.
The majority of starfish have 5 arms. But there are starfish with up to fifty(!) arms. Each arm can represent a quality or a talent you have. Examples of my qualities include, among others, enthusiasm, honesty, spirituality, empathy, gratitude, compassion, teamwork, curiosity, friendliness, and conscientiousness. Of course, I can not use them all the time, but I can consciously use one of my arms when I can make a difference.
Compassion and empathy help others feel less alone. In fact, then they feel that they belong. If you can create this culture of care, chances are you’ll inspire others to do the same and create a “ripple effect”.
Start with WHY
Your WHY (or your organization’s) is your unique contribution and its impact on the world. Your WHY is always positive, actionable, and unending (like a goal). A WHY gives energy, motivates, and is an antidote to procrastination (to write this article or fill out my tax statement). Examples of good WHY statements can be found here and here. If I connect with my WHY, I am ignited to focus on impact, take action, and make a difference in what matters to other people’s lives. A purpose, goal, or WHY. That is what the starfish story is about. And a plus is that it makes your day more enjoyable!
Take action now
Make a difference in someone’s life now by taking small steps. Call an old friend or offer help to a coworker who is stressed out.
Or, discover your WHY to find out what your unique contribution to the world is. We can help you to discover and live your WHY. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
What do you do to make a difference in the world? Where could a small action already make a difference today? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to reading from you!
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Have you seen an error in this article? Let me know! I am grateful!
Sources:
—Harold Klemp, Book of ECK Parables, Book 3, p. 277
—Lance Ford, Rob Wegner & Alan Hirsch, The Starfish and the Spirit
