You’re driven. You know the importance of demonstrating your contributions to your org. But how do you clearly communicate your impact to busy executives in a concise and compelling way? Enter the Impact Formula—a powerful, easy-to-use framework designed to help you tell your story of success and results.

My introduction to the Impact Formula

I first came across this tool in 2018 while working as a product designer at Facebook. Prior to that, I had worked in environments where performance metrics were vague or inconsistent, which made it difficult for me to see my own impact clearly. Without a concrete way to measure my contributions, I often felt burned out, unsure if my work was valued.

I realized that in order to thrive, I needed a clear system that captured my contributions. The Impact Formula gave me exactly that—a straightforward way to ensure my efforts were not only noticed but also fairly rewarded.

What is the Impact Formula?

The Impact Formula is a simple tool to quantify your contributions in a way that executives and decision-makers can easily understand. At its core, it breaks down into three elements:

1. X: What is the business problem?

2. Y: What specific actions did you take to address it?

3. Z: What was the measurable result or outcome?

This formula helps you highlight the true impact of your work, whether it’s making money, saving costs, or driving strategic initiatives forward.

The power of simplicity

One of the best aspects of the Impact Formula is how simple it is to use. It cuts through the noise, allowing you to showcase your results in a way that’s easily digestible for leadership. Let’s break it down further.

Defining impact

When we talk about “impact,” we’re really talking about how your work contributes to the company’s success. Did your actions help the business make or save money? Did you improve processes or drive user engagement? Every action should tie back to business outcomes.

For example, if you enhanced a product feature that increased user time on the platform, you’ve directly contributed to user engagement, a critical metric for growth. That’s impact.

How to apply the Impact Formula

Let’s look at how to put the Impact Formula into action:

• X: There’s a problem with content moderators keeping up with updates to community guidelines.

• Y: I designed and implemented an internal communication center that streamlined these updates.

• Z: As a result, the organization saw reduced operational costs and improved content moderation efficiency.

Beyond storytelling: strategic focus

The Impact Formula is more than just a way to tell your story—it helps you prioritize the work that matters. It’s easy to get caught up in tasks that feel rewarding in the moment, but unless those tasks directly contribute to business objectives, they don’t truly create impact.

By applying this framework, you can ensure that your efforts are always aligned with the company’s goals, making your contributions not only visible but essential.

Your turn: start using the Impact Formula

Ready to take your career to the next level? Start using the Impact Formula to articulate your results. Here’s a quick action plan:

Action step: apply the formula

• Identify a project where you had a tangible impact.

• Break it down using the X, Y, Z framework.

• Present it to your manager or leadership to highlight your contribution.

Keep it simple and effective

The real power of the Impact Formula lies in its simplicity. By sticking to the X, Y, Z structure, you make it easy for executives to see your value. Remember, clear communication is key when you want to stand out in a fast-paced environment.

If this framework resonates with you and you’re ready to start using it to amplify your career, I’d love to help you implement it. Book a free intro call, and let’s explore how the Impact Formula can support your success and growth.

Make the Impact Formula a habit

Don’t just use this tool once—make it a regular part of your professional routine. Whether you’re preparing for a performance review or looking for your next promotion, the Impact Formula will keep you focused on the contributions that matter most to your organization.

If this exercise resonated with you, and you’re ready to take your leadership and life to the next level, let’s talk. I work with design and tech leaders like you who want to not only excel in their careers but thrive in all aspects of life. Book an intro session with me, and let’s get started on crafting your own success story.

By consistently applying the Impact Formula, you’ll not only gain recognition but also ensure your efforts are always aligned with the larger business goals, setting you up for continued success in your career.