5 Simple Habits Of Top Performing Leaders
Research tells us that while most leaders think they’re engaging their team well, most employees don’t feel that way. What makes some leaders stand out? It’s not magic or charisma—it’s the small, everyday habits they follow. These five habits can help you go from being a good leader to a great one.
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1. Start Your Day with Purpose
Great leaders don’t begin their day by diving straight into emails or meetings. Instead, they set aside the first hour to focus and prepare.
What to Do:
Spend 20 minutes reading something that inspires or informs you—industry news, leadership books, or anything that sharpens your mind.
Use 20 minutes to map out key goals or tasks for the day, setting clear priorities.
Dedicate the last 20 minutes to personal growth, like journaling or learning a new skill.
Why It Matters: A calm, intentional start means you’re ready to make smart decisions, not just react
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2. Listen More Than You Talk
Strong leaders listen actively, not just to respond but to understand. Listening to your team’s concerns and ideas builds trust and connection.
What to Do:
Schedule three short check-ins with team members each day with no set agenda.
Give them your full attention: no phone, no distractions.
Ask open questions and summarize back what you hear to ensure understanding.
Why It Matters: When people feel truly heard, they’re more motivated and open, which benefits the whole team.
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3. Show Empathy, Backed by Data
Caring about your team’s well-being goes beyond simply “feeling” empathetic. It involves tracking key metrics to know how everyone is really doing.
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What to Do:
Use a daily check-in scale (1-5) to gauge each person’s energy, workload, and stress levels.
Look for patterns and address issues before they become bigger problems.
Why It Matters: Tracking well-being alongside work performance ensures everyone feels supported, helping to prevent burnout.
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4. Be Transparent About Decisions
Great leaders build trust through transparency. They make it a habit to share what’s going on in the organization and why decisions are being made.
What to Do:
At the end of each day, share a quick update with your team about what’s happening—ongoing projects, challenges, and recent decisions.
Explain the reasons behind any big choices to give everyone clarity.
Why It Matters: Transparency keeps everyone in the loop and builds a culture of openness and trust.
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5. Reflect and Plan for Tomorrow
End your day with a brief reflection to take stock of what went well and what could improve.
What to Do:
Spend the last 15 minutes of your day thinking through three simple questions: What did I accomplish today? What challenges came up, and how did I handle them? What’s one thing I’ll focus on tomorrow?
Why It Matters: Reflection helps you learn from each day, keeping you focused and continually improving.
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Start Small, Build Big
You don’t need to tackle all five habits at once. Pick one to start, make it part of your routine, and gradually add others as you go. Remember, great leadership is about consistency and commitment, not grand gestures. As these habits become second nature, you’ll notice how much stronger and more connected your leadership becomes.