The Power of Incremental Changes: Transforming Leadership Style and Boosting Team Performance

In my work with CEO/Founders and leaders from large corporations, I’m always looking at behaviors they can “dial up’” or “dial back”. We start with a 360-interview process that fosters a greater sense of self awareness. Then the growth process begins. One small behavior change at a time.

Leadership is not a static concept but a continuous journey of growth and improvement. As leaders, we often seek groundbreaking strategies and revolutionary ideas to enhance team performance. However, in our pursuit of grand transformations, we often overlook the incredible potential of small, incremental changes. This article explores how making subtle adjustments in your leadership style can lead to significant improvements in team dynamics, employee engagement, and overall organizational success.

1.???Embrace a Growth Mindset:

Adopting a growth mindset is the first step towards making small incremental changes. Embrace the belief that your leadership skills are not fixed but can be developed over time. Recognize that every interaction, decision, and experience is an opportunity for growth. This mindset sets the stage for embracing change and continuously improving your leadership style.

2.???Cultivate Active Listening:

Effective leaders understand that listening is a critical skill that drives team performance. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to team members, encouraging open dialogue, and demonstrating empathy. Incremental changes in your listening habits, such as maintaining eye contact, summarizing key points, and asking follow-up questions, can foster stronger relationships and encourage collaboration.

3.???Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety:

Psychological safety is the foundation for high-performing teams. Small adjustments in your leadership style can create an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, express their ideas, and learn from failure. While running Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Inc., my team and I created an atmosphere where we celebrated failure. Encourage open communication, acknowledge diverse perspectives, and promote a blame-free culture. By creating psychological safety, you empower your team to reach their full potential and drive innovation.

4.???Provide Regular Feedback:

Timely and constructive feedback is crucial for individual and team development. Instead of waiting for annual performance reviews, embrace a culture of continuous feedback. Make it a habit to provide specific, actionable feedback to team members, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. These incremental changes foster a culture of growth, enhance employee engagement, and drive improved performance. One CEO/ Founder I work with insists on 360s every 6 months. The growth is remarkable.

5.???Lead by Example:

Leadership is not about giving orders; it is about inspiring others through your actions. Small changes in your own behavior can have a ripple effect on your team. Model the behaviors you want to see in others, whether it's demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, promoting work-life balance, or fostering inclusivity. Incremental changes in your leadership style can inspire and motivate your team to embody those same qualities.

6.???Encourage Skill Development:

Investing in the growth and development of your team members is a powerful way to drive performance. Identify individual strengths and areas for improvement and encourage employees to pursue continuous learning opportunities. Whether it's through training programs, mentorship, or stretch assignments, small incremental changes in your leadership approach can unlock your team's full potential.

7.???Celebrate Progress:

Recognize and celebrate the small wins along the way. Acknowledge individual and team achievements, no matter how small, as these incremental victories build momentum and boost morale. By celebrating progress, you reinforce positive behaviors and motivate your team to continue striving for excellence.

Leadership is a journey of continuous improvement, and small, incremental changes can have a profound impact on your leadership style and team performance. By embracing a growth mindset, cultivating active listening, fostering psychological safety, providing regular feedback, leading by example, encouraging skill development, and celebrating progress, you can create a positive and empowering environment that drives success. Remember, even the smallest adjustments can pave the way for significant transformation. So, start today and harness the power of incremental changes to become the leader your team deserves.