Compounding Leadership

Recently I was listening to a podcast featuring James Clear who wrote the highly acclaimed book The Atomic Habits. I have always resonated with his concept of  ‘1% Better’. The math behind it is surprising. If you improve 1% everyday for a year, you are not 365% better, which would be significant (that is 100% (original) + 365% (improvement) = 465% of the original which is 4.65 times the original value). Instead, due to the nature of compounding, you are 37 times better!

So, how might we apply this concept as leaders? Well, first we have to move away from our inclination to believe that leadership exists mainly in bold visions, big inspiring speeches, leading from the front in a crisis … all the big headline type moments of leadership. Leaders who work on improving themselves and their leadership 1% a day there won’t be any big news coverage. 

What kinds of things can leaders do to improve 1% daily? Well, firstly, you need to start with the focused intention to do so and the willingness to show up and be consistent in the work - even when it’s not recognized."It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit" is an apt quote most commonly attributed to U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

After showing up with intention here are some small everyday actions that compound in effect:

• Read one leadership article or blog

• Send one thank you note

• Recognize one contribution

• Incorporate just a little more listening 

• Add one question to your agenda that allows people to open up more about their challenges (make it safe and listen well)

What’s one thing YOU can do today to start compounding your leadership?