Why Giving People A Small Amount Of Your Time Can Make You A Better Leader
In the demanding world of business leadership, time is a precious resource. However, dedicating even a few moments to connect with others can have a profound impact on your effectiveness and presence as a leader—both at work and in personal life. When you take a few intentional minutes to engage with your team, family, or colleagues, you foster trust, open communication, and a positive culture. Here are eight reasons why giving even small amounts of time can elevate your leadership, along with practical tips to put these ideas into action.
1) Builds Trust & Strengthens Relationships
Insight: Taking a few moments to genuinely connect with someone builds trust, which is essential to effective leadership. People are more likely to follow and respect leaders they trust.
Tip: Make it a priority to spend five minutes each day checking in with a team member or family member. These small interactions build trust over time and create a sense of connection.
2) Encourages Open Communication
Insight: When you make time for people, even briefly, they feel more comfortable sharing thoughts and concerns. This openness leads to better problem-solving and reduces misunderstandings.
Tip: Set aside "open-door" times, even if only for 15 minutes a day, when team members know they can approach you. Encourage them to share without interruption.
3) Boosts Team Morale
Insight: Brief moments of recognition and gratitude can uplift morale and show that you value people’s contributions, which boosts loyalty and motivation.
Tip: Regularly acknowledge team members' efforts, even if it's just a quick "thank you" or "well done." Your recognition of their hard work has a meaningful impact on morale and engagement.
4) Inspires Personal Growth & Mentorship
Insight: When leaders invest time, however small, in guiding or mentoring others, they inspire growth and demonstrate a commitment to their team’s development.
Tip: Make it a habit to share a quick piece of advice or encouragement in conversations with team members. These brief insights or nudges towards growth show that you’re invested in their progress.
5) Provides Valuable Insights For Decision-Making
Insight: Engaging with people across departments or levels, even briefly, provides a broader perspective on challenges and opportunities. This enhances your ability to make informed decisions.
Tip: Ask open-ended questions during short check-ins to gain fresh perspectives on ongoing projects. A few minutes with different team members can uncover valuable insights you might otherwise miss.
6) Enhances Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
Insight: Spending time to understand others’ perspectives, even briefly, develops empathy and emotional intelligence—essential skills for effective leadership.
Tip: Practice active listening during interactions and try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Empathy will make you a more approachable and understanding leader.
7) Fosters A Culture Of Collaboration
Insight: Leaders who regularly connect with their teams, even for short periods, cultivate an open, collaborative environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas.
Tip: Schedule informal “coffee chats” or virtual huddles for team members to discuss ideas or challenges. These short sessions make collaboration a natural part of the culture.
8) Models Respect For Time
Insight: By giving time thoughtfully and staying present, you model intentionality and respect for time as a valuable resource, teaching your team to prioritise and focus.
Tip: Set time limits for interactions and remain fully engaged. This practice demonstrates that you respect both your time and theirs, setting a standard for mindful time management.
Conclusion
By consistently dedicating just a small amount of time to others, you cultivate trust, enhance communication, and foster a collaborative culture. These brief moments of engagement help you become a more effective, empathetic leader, inspiring loyalty and respect in both your personal and professional life. Intentional connections, even when brief, lay the foundation for a fulfilling, impactful leadership style.
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