The Power of Acknowledgment: How Great Leadership is Built on Recognising Milestone Moments

Great leadership is often misunderstood. Many assume that it is defined by monumental wins, grand achievements, or the ability to steer an organisation through a crisis. While these moments are undoubtedly important, the essence of truly impactful leadership lies in something far more subtle yet profoundly powerful: the ability to recognise and acknowledge the milestone moments in people’s lives and careers. Great leaders understand that their role is not just to drive results but to nurture growth, instil confidence, and provide unwavering support. They know that the seeds of success are often sown in the quiet, uncelebrated moments of effort, struggle, and progress. And while those they lead may not realise it at the time, they will one day reflect and see who truly guided them on their path to achievement.?

The Myth of Monumental Wins?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that leadership is all about delivering big, flashy results. However, this mindset overlooks the reality that most success is built incrementally, through consistent effort, learning, and growth. Monumental wins are often the culmination of countless smaller victories—moments of progress that go unnoticed or uncelebrated.

Great leaders understand this. They know that their role is not just to chase the big wins but to create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to keep moving forward. By recognising and acknowledging these milestone moments, leaders help individuals see their own progress, build confidence, and stay committed to their goals.

The Importance of Recognising Milestone Moments?

Validation and Motivation

When leaders take the time to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of their team members, they provide a powerful form of validation. This recognition communicates that their work matters, that their contributions are valued, and that they are on the right path. For many individuals, this validation is a source of motivation, encouraging them to push through challenges and continue striving for excellence.?

Building Confidence

Not everyone is naturally confident in their abilities. Many people struggle with self-doubt, especially when faced with new challenges or setbacks. By recognising milestone moments—whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a challenging project, or simply showing up with a positive attitude—leaders help individuals build confidence in their abilities. Over time, this confidence becomes the foundation for greater achievements.?

Fostering a Growth Mindset

Great leaders understand that success is not a destination but a journey. By celebrating small wins and progress, they foster a growth mindset within their teams. This mindset encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as obstacles to be feared. It also creates a culture where effort and improvement are valued as much as—if not more than—final outcomes.?

Being There When It Matters Most?

Leadership is not just about celebrating successes; it’s also about being present during times of struggle and uncertainty. Great leaders understand that their support is most needed when people are facing challenges, whether personal or professional. They know that their faith and encouragement can make all the difference in helping individuals navigate difficult times and emerge stronger on the other side.?

Providing Emotional Support

When people are struggling, they don’t always need solutions; sometimes, they just need someone to listen, empathise, and offer reassurance. Great leaders are there to provide this emotional support, creating a safe space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. This support can be a lifeline during tough times, helping people regain their footing and find the strength to keep going.?

Offering Guidance and Perspective

In moments of crisis or confusion, it’s easy for individuals to lose sight of the bigger picture. Great leaders step in to offer guidance and perspective, helping people see beyond their immediate challenges and focus on their long-term goals. They provide clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose, empowering individuals to move forward with confidence.?

Leading by Example

Great leaders don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. They demonstrate resilience, optimism, and a commitment to growth, even in the face of adversity. By leading by example, they inspire their teams to adopt the same mindset and approach, creating a culture of perseverance and mutual support.

The Tenfold Reward of Faith and Support?

One of the most remarkable aspects of great leadership is that the faith and support provided to others often come back tenfold. When leaders invest in their people—acknowledging their efforts, celebrating their progress, and standing by them during tough times—they build a foundation of trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. This foundation becomes the bedrock of strong, high-performing teams and organisations.?

Loyalty and Commitment

People don’t forget those who believed in them when no one else did. When leaders show genuine care and support, they earn the loyalty and commitment of their team members. These individuals are more likely to go above and beyond, not out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of appreciation and respect.?

A Culture of Reciprocity

Great leadership creates a culture of reciprocity, where people are inspired to support and uplift one another. This culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose, driving the entire organisation forward.?

Legacy of Leadership

The impact of great leadership extends far beyond the immediate moment. The individuals who are supported, encouraged, and believed in often go on to become leaders themselves, paying forward the same care and support they received. In this way, great leaders create a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and uplift others long after they’ve moved on.

Leadership as a Journey of Empowerment

Great leadership is not about basking in the glory of monumental wins; it’s about recognising the milestone moments in people’s lives and careers and acknowledging their efforts. It’s about being there when people need support, offering guidance, and leading by example. It’s about understanding that the true measure of leadership lies not in what you achieve, but in what you help others achieve.

The individuals you lead may not always realise the impact of your support in the moment, but they will one day reflect on their journey and see who truly guided them on their path to success. And when they do, they will remember not just the results you helped them achieve, but the faith, encouragement, and belief you showed in them along the way.?

Mark Geraghty

Partner

Executive Recruit

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