In Leadership, The Little Things Make A Big Difference. Here's Why

When Indra Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of Pepsico, made her first visit to India to see her mother after taking on her new role, a significant moment unfolded that reshaped her understanding of leadership. As she stepped into her mother’s home, she was greeted by a constant flow of family and friends, all of whom went straight to her mother with heartfelt messages of congratulations and praise, saying things like, “You did such a wonderful job raising Indra.” This warm outpouring of support highlighted the deep connections and sacrifices involved in her journey, leaving a lasting impact on Indra’s perspective as a leader.

According to Indra Nooyi, “Watching them, I realized I’d never done for our senior executives at PepsiCo what my mother’s family and friends were doing for her. So, as soon as I got back, I decided to send a letter thanking some of our executives’ parents. And since then, I’ve sent similar letters to spouses. These letters’ impact has led to some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at PepsiCo. If I have one request for those of you reading this who lead people, try this. The reactions you get will move you more than you can know.”

When I began my career straight out of secondary school, one of my former managers shared a perspective during a staff meeting that deeply resonated with me, shaping my views for many years. With a rather serious expression, he stated, “I am here to work, not to make friends.” Those words lingered in my mind and influenced how I approached relationships at work. I’ve come to realize that when we speak to and influence others, especially young people, we need to choose our words carefully. Our language can significantly shape their attitudes and behaviors in so many ways.

Over the years, I have learned that true leadership is fundamentally about developing people, building relationships, and helping individuals reach their full potential to become the best versions of themselves. It goes beyond authority and external recognition. Instead, leadership focuses on equipping others with the right tools and strategies to maximize both organizational success and individual growth.

As a leader, have you ever:

- Sent a birthday card to your employees?

- Asked your employees how they are doing?

- Inquired about how their mom or dad is doing?

- Followed Indra Nooyi’s advice by sending a thank-you card to your employee’s mother or father?

If you haven’t done these things, consider doing them. These simple gestures can significantly improve your employees’ inspiration and motivation. When you express genuine gratitude and actively include your employees’ families in your company culture, you will have some of the most loyal employees in the world.

The best leaders in history didn’t just help their teams win championships or guide their organizations to exciting new milestones; they genuinely cared about their people and understood what a privilege it is to lead. Sadly, not all leaders get it right. Some create toxic environments filled with silos, causing team members to consistently fight among thems instead of working together towards a shared vision and purpose.

Think about it for a moment! As a leader, you have an excellent opportunity to positively impact someone’s life every day. It could be something as simple as saying hello, writing a thoughtful note to recognize someone’s hard work, or remembering names when you greet people. Some leaders may overlook these small gestures, but believe me, they make a big difference, and the organizations that truly understand this are the ones that ultimately thrive and succeed.

About The Author

Gifford Thomas is the founder of Leadership First and understands the challenges that many leaders face. Gifford is deeply committed to sharing the best inspirational quotes and articles to encourage and uplift every leader by providing a daily dose of inspiration to support you through your leadership journey.