When it comes to leadership, we often think about big, bold changes: overhauling strategies, implementing new systems, or reinventing team culture. But the truth is, effective leadership isn’t built on massive leaps. It’s built on small, consistent steps taken over time.
So, what’s a small habit that can have a big impact on leadership effectiveness?
The Power of Incremental Change
Many leaders immerse themselves in books, podcasts, and workshops in search of the next big idea that will help them grow. While these resources are valuable, they can also create an unintended problem: the overwhelming gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. That gap often feels daunting, and it can paralyze progress.
Instead of focusing on the entire distance between “current state” and “ideal future,” effective leaders ask a simple, powerful question: “What’s the smallest step I can take today that moves me in the right direction?” This mindset shifts leadership growth from being overwhelming to being achievable.
Why Small Steps Matter
Whether you’re focused on personal growth, leading a team, or shifting an entire organization, progress doesn’t happen overnight. Think of it like steering a massive tanker ship; it doesn’t turn with one dramatic twist of the wheel. Instead, it adjusts through a series of small, deliberate movements that eventually change its course.
Applying the same principle to leadership means:
- Taking one action today that supports your vision.
- Encouraging your team to make small, meaningful adjustments.
- Breaking down large organizational goals into incremental steps.
Over time, these small actions compound into significant transformation.
Putting It Into Practice
Here are a few examples of how leaders can embrace this habit:
- Personal Growth: instead of trying to read five leadership books at once, commit to reading five pages a day.
- Team Development: instead of revamping your entire workflow, ask your team what one process improvement could save them the most time.
- Organizational Change: rather than attempting a total culture shift overnight, start by consistently modeling one core value you want your team to embody.
The key is consistency. Every small step builds momentum, making change sustainable and less intimidating.
Final Thought
Leadership isn’t about giant leaps; it’s about continual forward motion. By asking yourself and your team, “What’s the smallest step we can take right now?” you’ll unlock the power of incremental change. Over time, those small steps add up to something remarkable: stronger leaders, stronger teams, and stronger organizations.