If January feels like the year’s Monday, and February feels like Tuesday, What about March?
March is the perfect time to spark intentional actions that drive positive change. Small steps = big ripple effects in leadership and life.
LEADERSHIP
The Ripple Effect starts with you and the questions you ask.
As leaders, the ripple effect starts with us. Small shifts in our behaviors and mindsets can cascade into transformative outcomes for our teams and organizations. Even minor adjustments can inspire others to create waves of improvement and progress.
For example, I used to start conversations with a barrage of general questions that only gave me generic answers. Here’s how it would go:
Old Approach:
- Me: Hey Sara, how are you?
- Sara: I’m good.
- Me: Any big plans for the weekend?
- Sara: No, not too much, just my son’s soccer game.
- Me: Is the weather supposed to be nice?
- Sara: A little cold, but not too bad.
RESULT: Not much substance, not much room to pivot into deeper information.
One small shift made all the difference. Now, I ask one general question and follow up with specific ones that help me learn more about the person’s experiences, values, or preferences. Here’s how that looks:
New Approach:
- Me: Hey Sara, how are you?
- Sara: I’m good.
- Me: Any big plans for the weekend?
- Sara: No, not too much, just my son’s soccer game.
- Me: Did you play soccer as a kid?
- Sara: No, I didn’t like sports, wasn’t any good at them.
- Me: Gotcha. Did you participate in music (band or choir)?
- Sara: Yes, I was much better at that. I was part of the band and did marching band and jazz band. My daughter just started clarinet, so hopefully, she will keep that going.
RESULT: Now you know they have had a meaningful experience with music, care about it enough to encourage their child’s participation, and are hopeful to pass that legacy along.
The key lies in intentionality. By incorporating daily moments of connection and listening for experiences, values, and preferences, leaders create a channel for conversation, topics for the future (e.g., “Is your daughter still playing clarinet?”), and build a bridge for collaboration and productivity.
The good news? These changes don’t have to be monumental. A single deliberate act can create a chain reaction that improves morale and fosters trust.
Taking Action:
This week, commit to experimenting with small yet impactful actions. Carve out intentional moments each day to connect with your team members. If it feels forced, they’ll know it. Whether it’s a quick morning check-in or creating space for team creativity, these small efforts compound over time.
When leaders show up as present, approachable, and steady, the team feels supported and motivated. Start small but start consistently. The ripple effect is real—and it starts with you.
LIFE
It took some convincing, but I finally persuaded my husband we needed a treadmill. This year, I’ve committed to adding more movement to my days. While I’ve been loving the challenge of barre classes (if you know, you know—those classes are no joke), I realized that outside of them, I’m mostly sedentary. Enter the treadmill.
My goal is simple: embrace speed walking and build cardio stamina. We’re also planning to hike the Grand Canyon in September, so I’m keen to get some elevation and steps in beforehand.
Adding more movement isn’t just about physical health; it’s a mental game-changer, too. Even a short walk can lift my mood and clear my mind. This winter has reminded me why I take a quick 10-minute lunch walk during warmer weather. It’s my reset button during busy days when energy starts to dip. Small, consistent actions build momentum over time.
What I love most about this new habit is how doable it feels. I’m feeling stronger, and the effort is paying off. I don’t need a gym membership or a marathon training plan—just 15 minutes on the treadmill is enough to make a difference. As I keep going, I’m noticing my stamina improving, which motivates me to keep it up.
Taking Action:
What’s one small step you could take for your own physical wellness? Maybe it’s walking, stretching, or even dancing in your kitchen (no shame!) —find what moves you! Small intentional actions like this can create a ripple effect for better health and mindset.
Whether it’s connecting more intentionally with your team or building a new personal habit, small actions lead to big impacts. Start your ripple effect today—you happen to the world, not the other way around.