The Power of Small Changes: How a Simple Ingredient Transformed My Perspective on Business

Last night, after a long, intense business meeting, I found myself mentally and physically exhausted. As the evening wore on, the thought of stepping out for a bit of fresh air seemed appealing, but then the rain came down—one of those sudden, relentless showers that makes you reconsider your plans. So instead of heading out, I opted for a different kind of comfort: food.

I ordered from my favorite German Kebab house here in Thailand, a place I’ve frequented many times. Usually, I go for their classic chicken or beef D?ner, topped with the traditional garlic sauce. It’s always good, reliable, and satisfying. But recently, I decided to experiment by mixing the garlic sauce with their spicy sauce—a small change, almost insignificant.

To my surprise, that one tiny adjustment made a huge difference. The flavor was extraordinary, elevating a familiar meal into something truly exceptional. It was so good that I almost ordered another one—though common sense and my current diet plan stopped me in my tracks. One was enough, after all.

As I enjoyed this transformed D?ner, I couldn’t help but think about the parallels between this experience and the business world. In business, as in life, it’s often the small changes that lead to the biggest breakthroughs. What seems like a minor detail, an afterthought even, can have a profound impact on outcomes.

Consider this: a slight tweak in your approach to leadership, a small adjustment in your business strategy, or a minor enhancement in your customer service—these changes may appear trivial at first. But, much like that spicy sauce, they have the potential to turn something good into something exceptional.

Success is often built on the foundation of small, thoughtful decisions. These are the choices that set apart great companies from the rest. They may not always be obvious, but they are the catalysts that drive growth, innovation, and long-term success.

So, whether it’s refining a product, enhancing a service, or making a slight adjustment in your daily routine, never underestimate the power of small changes. They can be the difference between staying where you are and reaching new heights.