The Question That Changes How You Lead

I carry a small 4 x 3 inch notebook with me throughout my workday. I call it my “Extraordinary Results Notebook.”

Before I begin a new task, project, or important conversation, I take a few moments to answer two questions:

1. What is my big WHY for this?2. What outcome or result do I want to create?

These simple questions help me shift from simply completing a task to being intentional about the impact I want to make.

When I feel unmotivated or find myself avoiding something difficult, I return to these questions. They remind me why the work matters and help me reconnect with the result I want to create.

For example, before writing an article, I might write:

My WHY: “I want to inspire leaders to transform the way they lead so they can create teams that genuinely care about the work they do and the difference they make.”

My intended outcome: “To write something practical that gives leaders a new perspective they can apply immediately.”

This same practice can be powerful when preparing for challenging leadership conversations.

Imagine you have an employee who consistently misses deadlines or does not follow through on commitments. Before having the conversation, instead of approaching it with frustration or focusing only on the problem, take a moment to ask:

What is my WHY for this conversation?“My goal is not to criticize this person. My goal is to help them understand the impact of their actions, take ownership, and create a path for success.”

What outcome do I want to create?

“I want us to have an honest conversation where expectations are clear, accountability is strengthened, and we create a plan moving forward.”

When leaders become clear about the outcome they want to create, they show up differently. They communicate with greater intention, confidence, and care.

This simple practice takes only a few minutes, but it can change the way you approach your work, your conversations, and the people you lead.

Try it this week. Before your next important task or conversation, pause and ask yourself:

What is my WHY?What result do I want to create?

You may be surprised by how much more intentional, inspired, and effective you become.

Because leadership is not just about what we do. It's about the experience we create for others. And that experience begins long before we say the first word.

Here's to you being a leader who makes a difference!

YOUR NEXT STEP: GET CLEAR ON THE OUTCOME YOU WANT TO CREATE

As you reflect on this week’s leadership tip, consider:

What outcome do you want to create through your leadership?

Whether it’s building greater accountability, helping your team take more ownership, strengthening trust, or creating a culture where people genuinely care about their work, clarity is the first step toward meaningful change.

Because leadership is not just about what we do. It’s about the experience we create for others.

If you feel called to become a leader people want to follow, I invite you to schedule a complimentary30-minute Leadership Insight Conversation.

Together, we’ll explore your current leadership approach, identify your greatest opportunity for growth, and clarify the breakthrough outcome you want to create in your leadership.

In our conversation, you will:

• Explore the leadership patterns impacting your team’s experience

• Identify opportunities to increase ownership, accountability, and performance

• Define practical next steps you can begin immediately

If you’re ready to get clear on the outcome you want to create as a leader, I’d love to have this conversation with you.

👉 Schedule your Leadership Insight Conversation

I’d also love to hear from you: What is one leadership challenge or conversation you are currently navigating? Simply reply to this email. I read every response.

ABOUT LESLIE

Leslie Cunningham helps small business owners and leaders create teams that care by transforming the leader first. With more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in personal leadership development that builds confident communication, strengthens accountability, elevates ownership, and creates cultures where people are genuinely motivated to perform. Leslie is an award-winning leadership expert, internationally published author, national columnist, and radio personality.

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