- Daily Success Snacks
- Posts
- This One Habit Will Reveal If You’re a REAL Leader or Just Playing One 👇
This One Habit Will Reveal If You’re a REAL Leader or Just Playing One 👇
Discover the leadership move no one talks about—yet everyone notices.
Glenda Carnate
November 08, 2025
Read time: 2.5 minutes
The way you treat the janitor, the receptionist, or the intern says more about your leadership than any keynote, presentation, or LinkedIn post ever will.
You enter the lobby, busy as usual. The janitor gives a soft nod as they mop the floor. You pause, ask how their weekend was, and thank them for keeping things smooth. That five‑second interaction sends a message: “I see you.”
Now imagine the opposite... walking past, no eye contact, no acknowledgment. Everyone notices. Small gestures, but massive signals. Leadership isn’t in the speech you deliver, it’s in the moment you choose whether to act or ignore.
According to Gallup, only 37% of U.S. employees strongly agree they are treated with respect at work.
Research from Harvard Business Review shows thatrespect from leadership impacts employees’ sense of safety, trust, and ability to focus morethan any other leadership behaviour.
Gallup finds that just 19% of employees have strong trust in their organization’s leadership.
These numbers aren’t just stats... they’re flags. If respect and trust are low, your leadership signal is weak.
Everyday Leadership Actions That Matter:
Greet everyone by name, from the janitor to the CFO. Acknowledgment builds respect.
Invite input from team members “off the radar.” Their perspective expands what you see.
Give credit publicly, not just for high‑visibility wins but for steady contributions quietly made.
Review your week. Who did you speak to? Who did you ignore? Where did your presence fall short?
Make respect and recognition part of your routine. They’re not just things you hand out once... they’re choices you keep making, day after day.
💡Key Takeaway:
People notice your leadership in the little gestures, not just the big moments. Sometimes, a quick nod or a word in the hallway sticks with someone way longer than any big speech.
👉 LIKE this if you agree that leadership is more than just a title.
👉 SUBSCRIBE now for daily leadership tips you can use right away.
👉 Follow Glenda Carnate for daily short lessons that help turn small habits into real results.
Instagram: @glendacarnate
LinkedIn: Glenda Carnate on LinkedIn
X (Twitter): @glendacarnate
👉 COMMENT: What small gesture changed how others saw you as a leader?
👉 SHARE this with your team. Respect begins at the core, not just on stage.
Reply