Why the Smallest Moments Often Leave the Greatest Leadership Impact
Mindful Reflection: The Power of Appreciation
When Everything Just Clicks
Have you ever had one of those nights where everything just clicks? Not because something extraordinary happenedbut because a series of small, seemingly insignificant moments came together to create something meaningful.
While recently visiting my son, I found myself reflecting on one of those nights from a couple of summers ago. We had gone to Truist Field in Charlotte to watch a Triple-A game between the Charlotte Knights and the Norfolk Tides. As a lifelong fan, I expected a high-quality game.
What I experienced, however, went far beyond baseball. It became a powerful reminder of something we often overlook in leadership and in life: the impact of appreciation—both given and received.
The Lens You Bring
Think about your own experiences: events, places, businesses. Which moments stand out?
The positive ones tend to rush back, bringing joy and a smile to your face. The negative ones linger just as strongly, but for very different reasons.
Here’s the key: our reactions often shape the responses we receive.
That night felt effortless. But was it luck? Or did my mindset play a role? I believe it did, because our facial expressions, tone, eye contact, and body language send signals long before we speak. And more often than not, those signals invite a response in kind.
A Series of Small Moments
From the moment we arrived, I noticed a pattern
At the parking meter, a woman was struggling to remove her credit cardher fingernails made it nearly impossible. I helped, and we shared a genuine laugh. A small moment, but meaningful. It set the tone for the remainder of the evening.
Walking toward the entrance, a man ahead of us stepped out of line to find his ticket rather than holding everyone up. A simple act of consideration that didn’t go unnoticed.
At the gate, the attendant greeted us with genuine warmth—not routine politeness, but palpable energy.
Just inside, a beverage vendor motioned me over with a welcoming smile that made the interaction feel personal. Who does this, I thought? I was truly loving this!
Four positive interactions, and we hadn’t even reached our seats!
Then came the hot dog stand (it’s a tradition at baseball games). They were out of one ingredient, but instead of a quick “sorry,” they improvised with a substitute, and made it fun. It wasn’t about the hot dog. It was about effort and attitude.
Presence Changes Everything
By the time we reached our seats along the third-base line, I paused to take in the Charlotte skyline. The buildings stood tall and close together—a reminder of how much we miss when we move too fast.
All around us, there was laughter, connection, and joy. For a few hours, it felt like a break from the noise of the world. The people around us were friendly and gracious. In a place I had never been, I felt completely at ease and at home.
And yes, the baseball game was all that I hoped for. We saw high-velocity pitching, standout performances, and great defensive plays. And as a lifelong fan, seeing Cal Ripken Jr.’s son, Ryan, in the game sparked meaningful conversation and memories with my family.
It was a great night, but what stayed with me wasn’t just the game, it was the accumulation of small moments of appreciation, kindness, and presence that I experienced.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Cicero
The Leadership Lesson
On the drive home, I thanked my son and daughter-in-law for the experience. It was a birthday gift I truly appreciated, and I wanted them to know it.
That mattered, because appreciation, when genuine, creates momentum. It reinforces behavior and it strengthens relationships. It also inspires others to carry it forward and develops a “ripple effect”.
This is where leadership comes in. Appreciation is not a soft skill, it’s foundational to being a strong leader. Leaders who consistently show appreciation create environments where people feel seen, valued, safe, and motivated. And it doesn’t require grand gestures. More often, it’s the smallest actions that matter most: a smile, a thank you, a bit of patience.
Those moments compound. They help shape culture, influence outcomes, and define how people remember their experience with you.
A Simple Challenge
So, the next time you step into a meeting, a workplace, or even a casual interaction, ask yourself:
- What energy am I bringing into this moment?
- Am I creating an experience worth remembering?
- Am I showing appreciation?
Because in leadership, as in life, appreciation isn’t just something we express, it’s something we practice intentionally, consistently, and authenticallyuntil it becomes who we are and not just what we do.
And when we do it well, it elevates every interaction we have.
Leadership will change your life — I guarantee it.
Brian Mitchell is the Co-Founder of Mind Lens Global and a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker. He writes the “Mindful Reflection” series to help leaders grow through intentional action and meaningful connection.
