A “Work in Progress” Mindset

Every leader carries hidden blind spots—and that’s not only natural, it’s essential for real growth. I once worked with a senior executive who thrived on decisive action. She unveiled a critical strategic shift in a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings, convinced rapid execution would energize her team. Instead, inboxes clogged and voices fell silent.

In a candid check-in, a direct report admitted feeling steamrolled, despite knowing her intentions were good. That moment cracked open a powerful realization: her impact didn’t match her intent.

She decided to pause before every message—spoken or written. Before drafting an email or standing to speak, she closed her eyes, inhaled for two seconds, and asked herself, “What value do I want to convey right now?” One week later, her next announcement began: “Here’s the plan—before we dive in, I’d love to hear what questions or concerns you have.” The difference was immediate. Ideas flowed freely, collaboration deepened, and the strategy evolved into something far more innovative than her original outline.

Owning missteps became her secret leadership advantage. After a tense performance review, she sent a brief note to her team: “I realize my feedback earlier sounded harsher than I intended. That wasn’t my aim, and I’m sorry. How can we move forward together?” That simple admission shattered the barrier of perfect-leader façade. Colleagues started clarifying concerns instead of holding them in, and new solutions emerged organically. Over time, the team’s trust soared—and with it, their collective creativity.

She didn’t stop there. At the close of each week, she blocked five minutes for a quick “impact check” with her core team: one win and one learning from the week. Then, on Monday morning, she sent a two-item action list—small tweaks based on their insights.

Those micro-shifts added up fast. Deadlines landed more reliably, and burnout eased as people saw their feedback turn into tangible improvements.

Behind these shifts lay three simple practices anyone can adopt:

1. Mindful PausesIn the rush of a jam-packed schedule, it can feel counterintuitive to stop. But pausing for just two seconds before speaking or writing recalibrates your focus. It transforms reactive impulses into intentional choices, ensuring every word aligns with your core values. Over time, those micro-pauses become a habit that rewires how you lead.

2. Vulnerability RitualsAdmitting you missed the mark isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of leadership courage. A brief, sincere apology opens the door for honest dialogue and deeper connection. When you model vulnerability, you cultivate psychological safety, inviting others to bring their full perspectives and best ideas to the table.

3. Accountability ChecksIntentions without follow-through ring hollow. Simple end-of-week reflections and concrete Monday action items create a feedback loop that keeps you—and your team—aligned. Those small, visible rituals demonstrate that you value input and are committed to continuous improvement.

When these three elements combine, they turn ordinary leadership into transformational leadership. You move from transactional directives to strategic, values-driven influence. Your team stops guessing what you mean and starts acting on what you stand for.

The true payoff? You reclaim both fulfillment and influence. No more hollow victories or endless exhaustion. Instead, you lead with clarity and confidence because your actions consistently reflect your values. You build a culture where trust and creativity flourish, and people show up not just to execute tasks, but to advance a shared vision.

If you’re ready to begin closing your intent-impact gap, try these first steps:

• Breathe Before You Speak. For your next three conversations, count two seconds before responding. Notice the value you want to communicate, then let that intention guide your words.

• Send One Sincere Apology. If you feel a message landed off-track, send a brief note acknowledging the misalignment and invite dialogue on how to improve.

• Launch a Five-Minute Impact Check. Block out five minutes every Friday to log one win and one lesson. On Monday, share two small adjustments based on those insights.

These micro-habits create momentum—and each small win builds your credibility, confidence, and the kind of leadership impact you’ve been striving for.

I partner with high-achieving women executives to weave these practices into your daily routine—crafting tailored reflection prompts, vulnerability workshops, and accountability systems that keep your intentions aligned with your outcomes.

Which of these three habits will you start practicing this week?