Forget Big Goals: Why Tiny Daily Habits Are the Real Key to Exceptional Leadership

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I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Lan Phan , founder of Community of Seven and author of the new book "Do This Daily ," for an episode of the LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work podcast.

Our conversation touched on leadership, habits, community, and the rapidly evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. I wanted to share some key takeaways and reflections from our chat.

The Changing Face of Leadership

Lan's journey from corporate executive to leadership advocate offers a unique perspective on how leadership has transformed over the years. As she pointed out, we've moved away from the old "command and control" model to one that prioritizes trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

This shift resonates with me deeply. In today's world, where AI can handle many of the "hard skills," it's the human touch that truly sets great leaders apart. The ability to build trust, foster psychological safety, and inspire teams is more crucial than ever.

AI: The Double-Edged Sword

Our discussion on AI's impact on the workplace was particularly fascinating. On one hand, AI offers incredible opportunities for efficiency and innovation. On the other, it presents challenges we're only beginning to grapple with.

Lan raised an intriguing point about the potential consequences of outsourcing too much of our thinking and creativity to AI. As a parent (my kids are about the same age as Lan's), I share her concern about how the next generation will learn and develop critical thinking skills in an AI-dominated world.

It's clear that as leaders, we need to be proactive in addressing these challenges. We need to create spaces for deep work, creativity, and human connection within our organizations. At the same time, we must prepare our teams for a future where continuous learning and adaptability are non-negotiable.

One of the most practical takeaways from our conversation was the importance of daily habits in driving personal and professional growth. Lan's anecdote about Jerry Seinfeld's "don't break the chain" method really struck a chord with me.

It's a powerful reminder that success isn't about grand gestures or overnight transformations. It's about showing up every day, putting in the work, and embracing progress over perfection. As leaders, we need to model this behavior and create cultures that value consistent effort and growth.

Building Communities of Trust

Lastly, I was intrigued by Lan's approach to building communities and transforming company cultures. Her emphasis on creating shared vocabularies and aligning teams around core values is something I believe every organization can benefit from.

In a world where remote and hybrid work are becoming the norm, intentionally building these connections and shared understandings is more important than ever. It's not just about what we do, but how we do it and why.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my conversation with Lan, I'm both excited and humbled by the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for leaders. The future of work is being reshaped by AI, changing workforce dynamics, and evolving expectations of what leadership should look like.

But at its core, great leadership will always be about bringing out the best in people. It's about creating environments where individuals can thrive, innovate, and find purpose in their work. As we navigate this new landscape, let's not lose sight of that fundamental truth.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics. What daily habits have you found most impactful in your own growth journey?

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