Great2Lead Leadership Podcast
What Great Leaders Do Daily Without Thinking About It
- Hi there, welcome back to "Great to Lead." I'm Michelle and today I'm so excited about our topic. It is incredibly powerful and it's on the daily acts of leadership that happen all around us without us even realizing it. These little habits can have a huge impact on our leadership influence. So whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into your role, today's topic is for you. So let's get started. Leadership is often thought of as something you do during the big moments, like leading a meeting, making tough decisions or giving a motivational speech. But in reality, leadership is more about the small things, the everyday actions that build trust, inspire your team and foster a positive environment. So let's break down a few daily habits that make a big difference. And first up is listening. You might be thinking listening, isn't that something we do naturally? Well, yes, but intentional listening is a powerful leadership tool. Leaders who truly listen to their team create an environment where people feel heard and valued. It's more than just hearing the words. It's about understanding emotions, needs and concerns. Now, this isn't just something we do in formal meetings, it's those quick hallway conversations. During team check-ins or even in the middle at a very busy day, when we pause and give someone our full attention, whether they're sharing an idea or just asking for help, we show them respect. And respect is the foundation of influence. Next, we have modeling positivity. As leaders, we are not just managers of tasks, we are managers of energy. And one of the most impactful things we can do every day is to choose how we show up. We choose our attitude, we choose our outlook and even how we respond to challenges. These little moments influence our team more than we might think. You may not realize it, but when you approach a problem with optimism and solutions in mind, you set the tone for your team. It's about staying calm when things get tough and not allowing negativity to spread. Leadership is about staying the course even on the difficult days and showing your team that setbacks are simply opportunities to grow. Another key habit is transparency. We often think of leadership as being about making all the right decisions and having all the answers, but let's be real, no one does. And that's okay, because what really matters is how we handle the unknown. Leaders who openly share both their successes and their struggles build trust and loyalty. It doesn't mean that you have to tell everything, but being open about challenges, your goals and decisions help your team feel included in the journey. Transparency creates a sense of ownership and partnership. When your team understands the why behind your actions, they're more likely to support you and follow your lead. So next up is patience. Let's be honest, patience isn't always easy, especially when they're deadlines, pressures or distractions. But leaders who practice patience help create an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks and making their own mistakes. Leaders who exhibit patience are showing empathy and trust in their team's abilities. They understand that growth doesn't happen overnight and that mistakes are just part of the learning process. So take a deep breath, allow space for growth and watch how patience pays off in the long run. Next up, we have consistent appreciation. It sounds simple, but recognizing the small wins, the quiet efforts and the daily contributions of your team can make a huge impact. Leaders who consistently acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their team members create a culture of gratitude and respect. And when people know you value their efforts, it increases their motivation. Sometimes it's in the simple thank you or the small shout outs that make a team member feel valued. And when people feel valued, they're more likely to give their best every day. So get in the habit of celebrating the little victories and showing gratitude daily. Next up is modeling calmness under pressure. As leaders, we face challenges often, but the truth is our reaction to stress is contagious. When we say calm composed and solution focused, our team takes their cues from us. And even on the toughest days, our ability to pause, think and respond instead of reacting helps set the tone for how our team handles challenges. Remember, calm is a superpower in leadership. And finally, we have leading by example in the small things. Leadership is about action, not position. And often it's the small things that matter the most, like being punctual, following through on your commitment or owning up to your mistakes. As a school principal, I also pick up trash in the hallway, clean up messes if needed, open car doors, greet students, lend a hand to parents and staff. Basically, I do whatever needs to be done. And as a leader, no job should ever be beneath me. And when your employees see that you're willing to do what needs to be done without being asked, they will as well. When leaders model accountability and consistency and the little things, it inspires their teens to do the same. These everyday actions speak so much louder than any speech you could ever give. So why do these acts matter so much? Because leadership isn't about what you do during the big moments, it's about how you show up each day. And when you consistently practice patience, listening, positivity, transparency and appreciation, you are building a foundation of trust and respect that influences everything and everyone around you. Thanks for tuning in today. Remember, leadership is not a title. It's a way of being and the small intentional and unintentional actions are what will shape your leadership influence for the long haul. So what daily habits do you practice to make a difference in your leadership? Tell me in the comments below. Until next time, strive to be a leader who inspires and leads with greatness.