Big things usually dominate leadership views. Big strategy, big communications, big talent, big launches, big messages. These are important. 

But small things are also important in leadership. Positive, small things edify and build others up. Think of a smile at just the right moment and how that can be an encouragement. Consider the briefest moment of listening to another person and how valuable that can make them feel. Worthy beyond measure. Metaphorically or literally,  a glass of cool water offered up when the energy has drained, can be an invaluable respite from the turmoil of the world. Even a small note of feedback or better face-to-face and well stated, can change a career-course into just the right direction.

Regrettably, not all small things in leadership are good. Inconsistencies in behavior or attitudes can confuse and deflate. Words misplaced can be lethal. Words are formed by the smallest of members of our bodies. The Apostle James in the Bible says that the “tongue is little and boasts great things” [Jas. 3:5]. He also says that the tongue can set on fire the “course of nature” [Jas. 3:6]. The point is that a small thing improperly used in leadership is devastating. A small spark can “set a forest on fire”. We are experiencing this in the world right now. In fact, I am amazed at how tumultuous the world has become recently largely through things that are said. All of this is because of things said that originate from a small part of the body.

Let’s not just think about the big things of leadership. Let’s think about some of the smaller things and how important they are.

Very early this morning while enjoying a quiet reflection time I came across this very small creature of God. It is a perfect miniature of something that will grow into a new leader of its species  - albeit very small and methodical, perhaps considered insignificant by some. And yet what a marvel of God’s grace. And it reminded me that small things are important. Even in leadership.