Unleashing Impact Players: 5 Strategies for B2B CMOs to Elevate Their Teams
In today’s high-pressure B2B landscape, CMOs face relentless demands to drive growth with limited resources. Liz Wiseman’s “Impact Players,” offers a blueprint for cultivating game-changing talent within your organization.
During a CMO Huddles Career Huddle, Wiseman shared actionable insights on how marketing leaders can amplify their own impact while nurturing high-caliber talent. Here are five key strategies to transform your team into a powerhouse of Impact Players:
1. Do the Job That’s Needed
“While others do their job, Impact Players do the job that’s needed.”
Impact Players don’t simply stick to their job descriptions—they actively seek out ways to create value. Wiseman emphasizes reframing roles based on impact rather than duties. Encourage your team to look beyond their immediate responsibilities and identify organizational challenges they can help address. This proactive approach turns potential roadblocks into opportunities for growth and innovation.
2. Step Up, Step Back
“While others wait for direction, Impact Players step up and lead.”
Impact Players know when to take charge and when to create space for others. Wiseman notes that these individuals are “quick to lead, but also quick to step back.” Encourage your team to identify leadership opportunities, while also cultivating the humility to support others’ initiatives. This balance ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute and shine.
3. Finish Stronger
“While others escalate problems, Impact Players move things across the finish line.”
Wiseman emphasizes the importance of completing tasks thoroughly and effectively. Impact Players don’t just start projects—they see them through to successful completion. Foster a culture where your team takes ownership of their work and pushes through obstacles to deliver exceptional results. Celebrate those who consistently finish strong and add value beyond initial expectations.
Additionally, Wiseman emphasizes building a team of Impact Players by recognizing those who consistently enable others’ success. By celebrating collaborative efforts, team members are motivated to support and elevate each other’s work.
4. Ask and Adjust
“While others attempt to minimize change, Impact Players learn and adapt to change.”
Adaptability is crucial in today’s rapidly changing marketing landscape. Impact Players excel at seeking feedback and adjusting their approach as needed. Encourage your team to ask questions, solicit input, and be willing to pivot when circumstances change. This flexibility allows your marketing efforts to stay relevant and effective in the face of evolving challenges.
5. Make Work Light
“While others add to the load, Impact Players make heavy demands feel lighter.”
Despite the intense pressures of B2B marketing, Impact Players find ways to make work enjoyable and less stressful for themselves and their colleagues. Wiseman suggests fostering an environment where team members support each other and approach challenges with a positive attitude. Encourage your team to find ways to streamline processes, celebrate small wins, and maintain a sense of humor even during difficult times.
Cultivating Impact Players isn’t about assembling a team of superstars, it’s about fostering a mindset that empowers every team member to maximize their potential and impact. The ability to nurture and leverage Impact Players could be the key differentiator between good and truly great marketing organizations. So, put on your opportunity goggles and start transforming your team—because in the world of B2B marketing, mediocrity is no longer an option.
CMO Huddles features private Q&As (“Career Huddles”) with thought leaders like Liz Wiseman every month. If you’re a B2B marketing leader and want to join the next one, reach out to support@cmohuddles.com for more info.