Introduction
Leadership isn’t about grand gestures—it’s built on small, intentional actions that create trust and lasting influence. Whether it’s keeping your word, modeling integrity, or offering encouragement, these small daily habits define your character and inspire others.
I learned this lesson during a quiet moment in my kitchen. My 3-year-old son ran up to me, beaming with pride, ready to show me the block tower he had built. In his excitement, he knocked it over. I was exhausted from work, and part of me wanted to dismiss it. But I stopped. I crouched down, rebuilt the tower with him, and we laughed about it together.
That small moment taught me that leadership isn’t about fixing the blocks—it’s about showing up, being present, and making people feel seen. In this article, I’ll share 5 small, intentional actions you can take every day to create lasting influence as a leader.
Why Small Actions Define Great Leaders
How Do Small Actions Build Trust and Respect?
Trust is built over time through consistency in the small moments—keeping promises, showing patience, and being present.
During my short-tour in Curacao, I couldn’t physically be with my family, but I made it a point to show up for them in other ways—through phone calls, mail, and video chats. These small actions reassured my family that even from miles away, they were my priority.
Lesson: Small, reliable actions earn trust far more effectively than occasional grand gestures.
Why Do Small Actions Have a Bigger Impact Than Grand Gestures?
While grand gestures may seem impressive, they fade quickly. Small, repeated actions create long-term influence because they demonstrate authenticity and reliability.
Think of small actions like bricks in a foundation. Each intentional act—whether it’s a word of encouragement, a moment of active listening, or following through on a promise—strengthens the trust others place in you.
The Power of Intentional Leadership
What Does It Mean to Lead Intentionally?
Intentional leadership means acting with purpose and aligning your actions with your values. It requires being deliberate in the way you show up for others.
When my daughter started soccer, she was nervous before her first practice. Instead of brushing her off, I sat with her, tied her cleats, and told her, “You’re ready for this. Just try your best, and I’ll be proud of you.” That small, intentional act gave her the confidence she needed to take the field.
Takeaway: When your actions align with your priorities, you inspire others to trust and follow you.
5 Small, Intentional Actions to Create Lasting Influence
1. Keep Your Word—Reliability Builds Leadership
Why It Matters: Trust starts with reliability. When you keep your promises, even small ones, you show integrity and earn respect.
Example: One night, I promised my 8-year-old I’d help her practice soccer drills after dinner. Work emails kept pulling me in, and it was tempting to delay. But I honored my promise, and we spent 20 minutes practicing. That small moment strengthened her trust in me and reminded her she’s my priority.
Actionable Tip: Start today by following through on one promise you’ve made, no matter how small.
2. Listen Fully—Make Others Feel Seen and Heard
Why It Matters: Active listening builds trust, diffuses conflict, and strengthens relationships.
Example: During a team meeting, one Airman was hesitant to share an idea. I made eye contact, listened without interruption, and asked follow-up questions to encourage him. That small act made him feel valued, and he started contributing more regularly.
Actionable Tip: When someone speaks, put away distractions and summarize their words to show you’re fully present.
3. Express Gratitude—Small Thank Yous Have a Big Impact
Why It Matters: Gratitude creates positivity, motivates others, and deepens relationships.
Example: After moving to Curacao, I got into the habit of thanking my wife for small things—managing the home, cooking dinner, or supporting my schedule. Those small “thank yous” strengthened our partnership during an otherwise stressful season.
Actionable Tip: Take 30 seconds to thank someone today for something specific they did.
4. Model Integrity—Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Why It Matters: Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Small, honest actions show who you really are.
Example: My son caught me skipping a step in a board game to win. Instead of laughing it off, I owned up, corrected it, and explained why cheating—even jokingly—wasn’t okay. That moment showed him I practice what I preach.
Actionable Tip: Look for opportunities today to act with integrity, no matter how small.
5. Offer Encouragement—The Power of a Positive Word
Why It Matters: Encouragement inspires others to persevere, believe in themselves, and grow.
Example: After a tough soccer game, my daughter felt frustrated and defeated. On the way home, I told her, “You worked hard out there, and I’m proud of you for not giving up.” That small encouragement turned her mood around and reminded her that effort matters.
Actionable Tip: Find one person today and offer a genuine, specific word of encouragement.
How Small Actions Apply to Leadership in Daily Life
How Can Small Actions Strengthen Your Role as a Father?
Small efforts—like bedtime stories, playing catch, or listening to their struggles—build trust and connection with your kids.
How Do Small Actions Build Influence at Work?
Consistently showing up, staying reliable, and expressing gratitude earn respect and trust from your team.
Can Faith Guide Small Leadership Actions?
Faith encourages us to lead with purpose and humility. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Conclusion
Leadership isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about the small, intentional actions you take every day. Whether it’s keeping a promise, actively listening, showing gratitude, or offering encouragement, these habits build trust, strengthen relationships, and create lasting influence.
Start today by choosing one small action to lead with purpose. What’s one promise, one word, or one gesture you can commit to right now?
What’s one small action you can take today to lead with purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
1. Why are small actions important for leadership?
Small actions build trust, demonstrate consistency, and create meaningful, long-term influence.
2. How do I start leading intentionally?
Focus on one habit, such as keeping promises, showing gratitude, or listening actively. Practice it daily.
3. Can small actions really make a difference?
Yes! Small actions, when done consistently, compound over time and shape how others see you as a leader.
4. How can faith guide leadership in small moments?
Faith encourages you to act with humility, purpose, and integrity, even in the smallest of actions.
5. What’s one small action I can start with today?
Choose something simple: thank someone, listen attentively, or follow through on a promise.
The Gentle Warriors 
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