The Small Things That Make a Big Difference 

When we think about great leadership, we often think about big decisions, strategic plans, professional development programs, and the resources needed to help teams succeed.

And while those things certainly have their place, I want to offer a different perspective this month.

Some of the most meaningful things we can do as leaders don't cost a thing.

A kind word. A moment of encouragement. A willingness to listen. A simple thank you.

These may seem like small gestures, but their impact can be significant.  And all of this points to behaviors that build trust. 

Great leadership isn't always found in the grand gestures. More often than we realize, it shows up in the everyday moments when we choose to make someone feel seen, heard, supported, and valued. This builds credibility, reliability, intimacy and reduces the orientation towards ourselves while bringing focus to others. 

The Power of Being Present

One of the greatest gifts we can offer someone is our attention.

In a world filled with distractions, deadlines, and competing priorities, being fully present has become increasingly rare.

Think about the last time someone gave you their undivided attention. They weren't checking their phone, preparing their response, or rushing to the next thing. They were simply listening.

How did that make you feel?

As leaders, we have opportunities every day to offer that same experience to others.

We can pause what we're doing, make eye contact, ask how someone is doing, and genuinely listen to the answer.

Being present doesn't cost anything, but it communicates something incredibly valuable: You matter.

Recognition Doesn't Require a Budget

We often associate employee recognition with awards, bonuses, or special events. And while those forms of appreciation can be meaningful, recognition doesn't always need to be elaborate.

Sometimes, a sincere and specific thank you is exactly what someone needs.

"I noticed how you handled that difficult conversation. You showed a lot of patience."

"Thank you for stepping in to help the team. It made a difference."

"I appreciate the thought and care you put into your work."

These words cost nothing, yet they have the potential to encourage someone, strengthen a relationship, and remind people that their contributions matter.

The key is to be intentional.

Don't assume people already know they're appreciated. Tell them.

Kindness and Accountability Can Coexist

Great leadership also means treating people with dignity and respect, especially when conversations are difficult.

It costs nothing to approach someone with curiosity instead of judgment.

It costs nothing to acknowledge when we've made a mistake.

It costs nothing to say, "I'm sorry," "Help me understand," or "What can I do to support you?"

This doesn't mean avoiding accountability or lowering expectations. It means recognizing that how we communicate matters just as much as what we communicate.

We can be honest without being harsh. We can provide feedback without diminishing someone's confidence. And we can hold people accountable while still demonstrating compassion.

Sometimes, the smallest shift in our approach can make the biggest difference.

The Little Things Add Up

Consider how many opportunities we have throughout a typical day to positively influence someone.

We can:

• Give someone credit for a great idea.

• Ask a thoughtful question instead of making an assumption.

• Offer encouragement when someone is struggling.

• Celebrate progress, not just results.

• Admit when we don't have all the answers.

• Make time to check in with someone who may feel overlooked.

• Extend grace when someone has a difficult day.

None of these actions requires a financial investment.

They do, however, require something of us: awareness, humility, consistency, and intention.

And perhaps that's what makes them so meaningful.

Leadership Is About What We Give

When I reflect on the leaders who have made the greatest difference in my own life, I don't necessarily remember their budgets, titles, or accomplishments. 

I remember how they made me feel.

I remember the ones who believed in me, encouraged me, challenged me to grow, and took the time to listen.

Their influence came not simply from what they had, but from what they chose to give.

The same is true for each of us.

Every day, we have the opportunity to make deposits into the lives of the people around us through our words, our actions, and the way we show up.

We don't have to wait for the perfect circumstances or additional resources to become better leaders.

We can begin right where we are.

A Moment to Reflect

As you move through this month, I encourage you to consider:

What is one thing I can give freely today that could make a meaningful difference in someone else's life?

Maybe it's your time. Your attention. Your encouragement. Your patience. Or simply a sincere thank you.

Whatever it is, don't underestimate its value.

Because sometimes, the most powerful things we can offer as leaders are the things that don't cost us a dime. 

Sheeba Varghese

A New Book is Here: Wonderfully Made

 I’m excited to share the release of Wonderfully Made, the first book in the new Kingdom Treasures series.

Beautifully illustrated by Tori Tilahun and edited by Jennifer Edwards, this teaching resource was created to help children understand foundational biblical truths about who they are and how God created them. Through simple explanations, Scripture, memorable analogies, and engaging illustrations, Wonderfully Made introduces children to the idea of being created with a spirit, soul, and body.

More than a traditional storybook, this book is designed for parents, grandparents, educators, ministry leaders, and anyone who wants to help children build a strong biblical foundation of identity, purpose, and relationship with God.

At the heart of the book is a simple reminder:

You are wonderfully made, spirit, soul, and body, created by God with purpose.

Order your copy of Wonderfully Made here!

Leadership Challenge:

Great leadership doesn't always require grand gestures or big investments. Sometimes, it's the smallest acts of kindness, encouragement, and appreciation that leave the greatest impact. This week, be intentional about making someone feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it's a thoughtful compliment, a sincere thank you, or simply taking the time to listen, remember that the little things we do as leaders can make a lasting difference.

Leadership Resource: The Power of Moments

In The Power of Moments, Chip Heath and Dan Heath explore how seemingly small experiences can create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Through real-life stories, they show how intentional moments of recognition, encouragement, and connection can have an extraordinary impact.

For leaders, it's a reminder that making someone feel valued doesn't always require a big investment. Sometimes, a few thoughtful words, a moment of genuine attention, or an unexpected gesture of appreciation can make all the difference. Click here to order a copy!

Leadership Spotlight: Maggie Doyne 

Maggie Doyne is a beautiful example of how one small act of kindness can grow into something extraordinary. At just 18 years old, Maggie traveled to Nepal, where an encounter with children living in poverty inspired her to take action. What began with helping one child attend school eventually grew into the BlinkNow Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing education, care, and opportunities for children and families in Nepal.

Maggie's journey reminds us that making a difference doesn't always require a big budget, a leadership title, or a perfect plan. Sometimes, it simply starts with noticing a need and choosing to do something about it. Her story is a powerful reminder that great leadership begins with compassion, and even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting change.

Read more about Maggie and her work with BlinkNow.

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influence that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Sheeba works with: 

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact, and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your self-awareness, and progress your career, or aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, by phone, or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating, and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.