The Art of Subtle Influence: How Small Actions Lead to Big Changes
As leaders, we’re always looking to make an impact. It becomes second nature at some point—a reflex, even.
This instinct will only grow—or at least it should—because influence is rooted in that desire to make a difference.
But here’s the catch: that same natural inclination can get you into trouble.
When you focus on making an impact, your mind naturally gravitates toward big, pivotal changes, grandiose ideas, and searching for silver bullets. If you’re ambitious, competitive, and driven, chances are you’ve fallen into this trap before.
The irony? Those very traits—ambition, drive, and competitiveness—are what lead to this slippery slope, making it even harder to spot.
In parallel, you’ll begin to notice something else: burnout.
Searching for the “big change” takes a lot of effort (and I’m being modest here).
Rejection feels like a crushing blow rather than a small setback.
I get it, though. You’re resilient, and you bounce back.
But here’s the thing: this cycle is another slippery slope.
It’s like expecting to hit a home run every time you step up to the plate. With that mindset, even a double—or a single—feels like a disappointment.
And it doesn’t stop with you.
This mindset will trickle down to your team, and here’s what that might look like:
They feel like they can never do enough. Even their improvements go unnoticed because they’re not “home runs.”
Wins become fleeting highs, like a sugar rush—quickly followed by the inevitable crash.
They feel micromanaged, with bigger demands and less patience from you.
Your influence becomes black and white: hit a home run, or you’re a flop.
The result? People leave. And before long, you’re caught in a revolving door of quick entries and exits.
Here’s the truth: subtle influence is far more effective in creating lasting, meaningful changes.
Celebrate small improvements, and build momentum with frequent milestones.
This starts with you.
How are you setting yourself up for success?
Success doesn’t come from monumental leaps. It’s the result of consistently executing on monthly, weekly, and daily tasks—one step at a time.
When your life operates this way, you can model it for your team.
Set them up with achievable milestones based on tangible results. This creates a culture where your influence feels “hands-off” to outsiders. But make no mistake—it’s deliberate.
Nobody likes to be micromanaged, but everyone craves improvement.
Here’s how you can build this type of culture—a sustainable approach that produces big results over time.
Practical Guide for Leaders: Cultivating Subtle Influence
Adopt the Mindset: Small Wins Build Big Results
Reflect on your own approach. Are you setting realistic goals for yourself? Break them into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Celebrate your progress to reinforce consistency.
Shift the Focus from Outcomes to Processes
Encourage your team to focus on their daily actions rather than obsessing over long-term outcomes. The goal is to build good habits, not chase quick wins.
Set Milestones that Build Momentum
Break large projects into smaller, measurable milestones. Celebrate achievements along the way to keep motivation high.
Lead by Example
Share how you approach your goals. Be transparent about your process to show your team that success is a series of small, deliberate actions.
Recognize and Reward Progress
Acknowledge incremental improvements, not just major accomplishments. Highlight how small wins contribute to the bigger picture.
Create a Feedback Loop
Regularly check in with your team, but keep the focus on growth and learning. Avoid micromanaging by asking questions that guide rather than direct.
Example: Instead of saying, “This is wrong,” try: “What do you think is working here, and what could we improve?”
Foster a Growth-Oriented Culture
Make improvement a shared value within your team. Set an expectation that everyone—yourself included—is always learning and evolving.
Balance Patience and Accountability
Understand that meaningful change takes time. Balance patience with accountability by setting clear expectations and following up consistently.
Build Trust Through Autonomy
Empower your team by trusting them to make decisions. Provide support when needed, but let them take ownership of their work.
Celebrate Team Wins
Don’t just focus on individual accomplishments. Highlight how the team’s collective effort drives success.
By adopting these strategies, you’ll create a team dynamic where small, consistent actions lead to transformational results—without the need for forceful authority. Your influence will grow naturally, and your team will thrive in the process.
