This beautiful comment from Julia Katsivo in response to the post “Do You Know Why You Lead?” inspired what I am about to share…
“For me the answer would be that it’s my nature. As I walk, I nudge, pick-up, lift up, lift off, slap backs and give hugs to those who need a little hope to find the way on their own road again.”
Leadership is a big deal. It must be, right? There are literally thousands, if not millions, of people opining about it every day, myself included. Most of our discussions about leadership are wound around complex topics like psychology, engagement and authenticity. We wrestle with the language and actions that produce the outcomes we attribute to effective leadership. We talk in theories. We applaud stories of leaders who influence sweeping changes and positively impact business or society and try to understand the techniques that made them a success.
What struck me when I read Julia’s comment was how simple leadership can be. And how easy it is for us to be so focused on all that “important” stuff that we miss the “little big things” that are right in front of us.
A sincere smile.
A simple thank you.
A kind word given freely.
A shoulder to lean on.
A promise kept.
A little laughter.
Being present to see these opportunities and act on them can be a challenge when there is so much to do. So many distractions and so many demands. We have to keep ourselves open…we have to be aware. These small acts of kindness and connection are where leadership is fully expressed. This is how we influence the lives of the people we serve. This is how we love as we lead.
Be intentional about the little things and the big things will follow. We spend significant time and effort planning our strategy, making our lists, following up on projects and tasks. Are you making time to lend a hand? To appreciate and value the people you come in contact with every day? Do you train your mind to listen to your heart so that you see these moments even in the midst of the daily demands you face as a leader? If you are, I want to encourage you that this is some of the most important work you will ever do. If you are not, I want to challenge you to open up to a new way of thinking and acting.
Because when it comes to leadership…the little things are the big things.
Please share your thoughts, stories and ideas for how to make this a habit, or even a spiritual practice in our leadership.
Grabbing and adding some good related posts as I find them – feel free to suggest.
http://www.6seconds.org/2013/02/03/mindful-heart/
http://gwynteatro.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/a-reflection-on-teambuilding-and-the-story-of-edith/
So very necessary and timely, thank you. Your ability to take a small thing and turn it into something big to share amazes me…
Scott, my favorite part of your post is the reminder that in our pursuit to understand leadership, we overlook the simplicity of leading. AS Dr. John Kenworthy mentioned in his comment, “Thank you for bringing us back to earth.”
Thanks for your kind words Shawn. It is so easy to get “busy” doing things and miss these invaluable moments to touch a life, inspire and serve. Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Very good reminder, Scott. It’s the little things. John, don’t worry, for many this is very difficult to do. If everyone did these things, no one would stand out. It’s those who don’t do these things that allow the rest to distinguish themselves. What I find very amazing is that by doing these things everyday someone might actually turnaround one day and find people following him. Yes, you’re right, Scott, the little things are big. Thank you for taking time to write this. ~Mike
Appreciate your thoughts Mike – these small things do make a big difference and really result in a very different kind of leadership. Maybe we need to give it a new name? :)
Great point, Scott. In the small things done, bigger things happen. Any leader worth their being will remember that small acts reflect big on their character and can spark positive actions, if done right. Thanks! Jon
Great points Jon – that is really the message. Sure there are lots of big gnarly important things we need to do as leaders but most of those are at the head level and not the heart. It’s in these small acts of kindness we make our connection as human beings.
Scott, Thanks for pointing out the not-so-obvious. I like stories from the Bible and one is about a Leader named Moses. We know that story of how he led the people of Isreal out of Egypt and of parting the Red Sea.
He was a stutterer and stammering with a checkered past and few leadership skills. But he had a live changing experience with a “burning bush” that gave him a vision of what he was called to do.
Moses had a calling. A vision. In Leadership, that is a little big thing. He discovered his WHY.
Great example Dan. Another example from the Bible I like is Joseph. He emerged as a leader in every situation. Often through the small acts of kindness he showed to others.
Oh no, we’ve been found out. Please don’t broadcast this too far and wide or else everybody will do it and then I’ll have to find some other way of earning a living :-)
Thanks for bringing us back to earth.
Now that’s funny. :) This was just as much for me as anyone else. So easy to lose sight of how important these small acts of leadership are to the people we serve.