In leadership it’s easy to believe that success comes from having a plan and going for it perhaps with big, bold moves. But the reality? Curve balls. Progress is almost always built step by step. And that’s not just okay—it’s powerful.
Let’s be tenacious!
Leader’s who succeed are tenacious, they show determination and persistence in pursuing goals despite challenges and setbacks.
Tenacity encompasses:
- Resilience: Bouncing back from failures and continuing to push forward.
- Commitment: Staying dedicated to the vision and objectives, even when progress is slow.
- Problem-Solving:
Continuously seeking solutions and not giving up when faced with obstacles.
- Inspiration: Motivating and encouraging the team to stay focused and driven, no matter the difficulties.
Tenacious leaders are often seen as role models who inspire others to persevere and achieve success. Tenacious leaders take one step at a time.
The Small Step Advantage
Why do small steps matter so much? Because they build momentum. Every small, intentional action creates a sense of progress, which fuels motivation and confidence over time. Recognizing small wins can significantly boost motivation and performance (HBR, 2011).
Regardless of your leadership style, borne from your personality preferences, small steps help achieve goals.
For leaders who value stability, small and steady progress provides a reliable foundation for sustainable growth. For those who dream big, small steps turn ambitious visions into achievable milestones. And for leaders focused on relationships, each small moment of connection strengthens trust and fosters deeper engagement.
Meanwhile, those who thrive on supporting others can find meaning in everyday actions that nurture growth, while leaders driving towards bold goals benefit from breaking ambitions into clear, actionable steps that maintain momentum (McKinsey, 2022).
How to Lead with Tenacity, One Step at a Time
1. Define
What Progress Looks Like: Start by getting clear on what small progress means for you and your team. It might be setting weekly goals, holding reflective check-ins, or focusing on one key priority each day.
2. Celebrate
Consistent Wins: Don’t underestimate the power of acknowledging small achievements. Recognition of progress—no matter how small—builds momentum and motivation within teams.
3. Embrace
Uncertainty: You won’t always know the next step, and that’s okay. Tenacity means trusting the process, learning as you go, and leaning into uncertainty with curiosity, not fear.
4. Seek
Support: No leader thrives in isolation. Connect with peers, mentors, or a coach to reflect on your progress and challenges. Feedback and perspective can be the catalyst for confident next steps.
5. Reflect
and Refine Take time each week to reflect. What’s working? What needs adjusting? Reflection isn’t a luxury; it’s a leadership necessity for long-term resilience.
The Real Secret to Sustainable Leadership
Success isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about showing up, step by step, and staying committed to the journey. The leaders who thrive are those who understand that persistence isn’t about relentless hustle—it’s about consistent, thoughtful progress.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, remember this: small steps lead to big change. And that’s more than enough.
Go to The Unlikely Executive Podcast Episode 5 where I explore the power of tenacity in leadership with CEO and Founder of StrokeInformation Nick Clarke. If you’re looking to build resilience and lead with clarity, this episode is for you.
Take a step now
Come and join me on 5 Voices for Teams programme where we cover tenacity, resilience, leadership and team performance. You get a chance to celebrate your approach to tenacity while understanding other perspectives, leading to enhanced performance for everyone.
I support leaders in non-profit organisations and those passionate about Leadership for Good. My mission is to help leaders recognise their brilliance—and that of their teams—so growth is sustained and accelerated.