15 Micro-Habits of Great Leaders 📋

The Meeting That Changed Everything

"Ssshh, he's coming!" whispered my colleague frantically.

The CEO stormed into the meeting room, already late and visibly irritated. The energy shifted instantly as he flung his laptop onto the table, knocked over someone's coffee (thankfully mostly empty), and barked, "Right, let's get started, shall we?"

I witnessed this leader systematically destroy every shred of psychological safety in that room within 90 seconds. The meeting was a disaster before it even began.

The Silent Power of Micro-Habits

After watching thousands of meetings across my career in product marketing and consulting, I've identified 15 micro-habits that separate effective leaders from the rest.

These aren't complicated techniques requiring an MBA or years of executive coaching.

They're simple, actionable behaviours anyone can master.

Set the Stage

Let's start with arrival. The most effective leaders arrive five minutes early, not to show off their punctuality but to scan the room, sense the energy, and set the tone. It's like being the host of a dinner party - you wouldn't dream of arriving after your guests, would you?

The Device Dance

Then there's the device dance. We've all seen it - the executive who keeps their phone face-up, constantly glancing at notifications like a teenager waiting for a text from their crush. Leaders who command respect keep devices face-down or, better yet, out of sight entirely.

The Power of the Pause

One of my favourites is the power of the pause. When someone asks a question or makes a point, counting to three before responding might feel like an eternity, but it sends a powerful message: "I'm actually thinking about what you've said."

The Physical Presence Paradox

Here's something fascinating: your body speaks before your mouth does. Sitting up straight and leaning slightly forward isn't just good posture - it's a signal of engagement that ripples through the room. I once watched a senior leader transform a hostile room simply by adjusting his posture and maintaining eye contact with everyone, not just the highest-ranking person present.

The Art of Building Bridges

However, perhaps the most potent micro-habit is the art of building on others' contributions. "Building on Sarah's earlier point..." not only shows you're listening but also creates a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can flourish.

The Follow-Through Formula

The meeting doesn't end when you leave the room. The most effective leaders send follow-up notes within two hours, while everything's fresh. It's not just about recording decisions; it's about maintaining momentum.

Here's the kicker: none of these habits require special talent or authority. They're simply choices we make about how we show up and engage with others.

Action Points for Your Next Meeting:

1. Choose three micro-habits from the list to focus on in your next meeting. Don't try to master all 15 at once.

2. Practice the three-second pause rule. It feels uncomfortable at first, but the impact is immediate.

3. Experiment with physical note-taking instead of typing. Notice how it changes both your attention and others' perception of your engagement.

4. Set a 60-second timer on your phone (on silent!) to practice keeping your contributions concise.

5. Send one thoughtful follow-up note within two hours of your next important meeting.

Remember, influence in meetings isn't about dominating the conversation or having all the answers. It's about creating the conditions for collective success through intentional, mindful behaviour.

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