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The most important leadership strategies are often the ones you dont see. The quiet, behind-the-scenes work that truly drives success might not make the headlines, but it makes all the difference. We spoke to 10 experienced leaders who opened up about the practical, everyday practices they use to transform team dynamics and boost business outcomes. From creating space for honest conversations to fine-tuning how work gets done, these insights show that small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact.Create space for vulnerability and open dialogOne of the most impactful but often invisible aspects of leadership is creating space for vulnerability and open dialog within the team. As leaders, were often expected to be solutions-oriented, decisive, and forward-focused. While these traits are critical, the behind-the-scenes work of fostering trust and ensuring everyone feels heard is just as vital, though it rarely makes the highlight reel.A real-life example comes from my time leading marketing at a private company. The team was incredibly talented but stretched thin as we took on a large-scale branding initiative. It was clear that the surface-level team updates werent addressing the underlying stress and misalignment. So, I introduced a weekly stand up meeting. It was a simple concept: every team member anonymously submitted one thing they felt was working well and one thing causing frustration.The key wasnt just collecting feedback, it was addressing it transparently. Each week, Id share a summary of the submissions and collaborate with the team to find actionable solutions. This process wasnt glamorous, and it required consistency and vulnerability. I had to acknowledge blind spots, accept critique, and, sometimes, admit we didnt have an immediate fix. Also, that it would take all of us to solve.Over time, this practice reshaped our team dynamics. People felt safe to speak up and trust grew stronger. Productivity soared because the hidden obstacles were brought to light and resolved. The importance of this kind of invisible work lies in the ripple effect. When team members feel heard and supported, they dont just work harder, they work smarter and with greater collaboration.Leadership isnt always about big wins or public recognition; its about the small, consistent actions that cultivate an environment where people can thrive. That effort to foster a culture of trust continues to influence how I lead today with clients. Its the foundation for building stronger teams, which is ultimately the backbone of any organizations success.Renae Scott, founder and CEO, Bee Collaborative LLCRevise and adjust treatment plansAs a leader in physical therapy and sports medicine, I consider one of the most vital back-office tasks to be the careful revising and adjusting of treatment plans for each specific patient. Often, this requires staying late to evaluate patient progress based on data accumulation, researching new techniques, and communicating with other professionals so that the provided care is not only effective but also at the forefront of the latest developments in the field.This may not always be work thats directly visible to my team, but it does set the bar for the quality of care we provide. By doing so, I model for them what thoroughness and continuous learning look like; this has cultivated a culture of dedication and excellence in the team. Over time, this invisible effort has engendered trust, inspired others to go the extra mile, and strengthened our collective commitment to the success of our patients.Amir Majidi, physiotherapist, CEO Sports Medicine Clinic, Push PoundsReview team workloads weeklyIve learned that one of the most crucial behind-the-scenes tasks is something surprisingly simple: I spend two hours every Sunday reviewing each team members workload for the upcoming week.This habit started after I noticed our best analyst getting burned out from uneven task distribution.Looking deeper, I found that different client projects had similar deadlines, creating hidden pressure points nobody could see from their individual view.The impact of this weekly review surprised me.By redistributing work and adjusting timelines before the week started, our teams stress levels dropped significantly.Our internal surveys showed a 20% decrease in reported overtime hours, and our project completion rate improved.One specific win stands out the most.Last month, I spotted three major reports due on the same day for different clients.By shifting one deadline earlier and one later, our team delivered higher quality work on all three projects.This invisible work of load balancing might not always show up in metrics directly, but its transformed how smoothly our projects flow.Vukasin Ilic, SEO consultant and CEO, LinkterObserve and shape communication stylesAs a 25-year veteran behavior analyst and subject matter expert in neurodiversity, its part of my involuntary operating system that I am constantly observing and shaping communication styles to elicit the best thinking in my team. Understanding that context and lived experience has shaped individual preferences and communication styles helps reduce friction and problem solve faster than continually trying to force all individuals into one communication style.For example, individuals from the boomer generation often tend to prefer a quick phone call to discuss a matter rather than texting or email, whereas individuals from Gen X and younger tend to prefer quick written communication. I think this may be in part due to the education and training of older generations to have a far more formal written style.Also, as a female leader of an all male team I am acutely aware of communication differences between genders. I use humor to point out disparities to a group of individuals who obviously are open to such feedback by way of joining a queer, female CEO in a company called NonBinary Solutions.Modeling authenticity invites others to be authentic and understanding that different individuals have different communication styles fosters trust in an organization.Allowing all individuals to be authentically themselves invites collaboration, innovation, and builds psychological safety. And you can still create healthy boundaries and call out bias when you see it to foster growth. Its not binary.By acknowledging that each team member thinks differently, we create space to appreciate creative collaboration to problem-solving. Things are not black and whitesolutions often live in the gray.Amanda Ralston, founder and CEO, NonBinary SolutionsDevelop and maintain emotional regulationOne critical piece of behind-the-scenes work I prioritize as a leader is developing and maintaining my emotional regulation. Leadership can be demanding, and in a world that often feels increasingly chaotic, I recognize that how I manage my emotions has a profound ripple effect on the people I serve.Each day, I carve out at least 30 minutes for practices that help me stay centered. Meditation and affirmations are a staple of this routine. These practices allow me to connect deeply with my inner self, align my thoughts with my values, and set a positive tone for the day.Breathwork has also become an invaluable tool for me. Its a simple yet profound way to regulate my nervous system, helping me stay calm and focused, especially when Im navigating high-stress situations. Ive recently been learning HeartMaths approach to building heart-brain coherence. This practice is about harmonizing my emotions and thoughts to strengthen emotional resilience and promote a sense of calm clarity. It not only enhances my ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively but also fosters a deep sense of emotional balance.This work is invisible to others, but its importance cannot be overstated. By showing up grounded, I create a sense of safety and stability for my community. When people know theyre interacting with someone who listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and doesnt let external chaos dictate their energy, it encourages trust and openness. This emotional consistency allows for more authentic communication and collaboration, which are the cornerstones of healthy relationships and effective leadership.The people I serve feel empowered to bring their whole selves to the table because they see it modeled in me. It has also fostered a culture of calm confidence within my community. By prioritizing my emotional regulation, I not only strengthen my ability to lead but also inspire others to embrace their own emotional resilience. This, in turn, equips them to navigate challenges with greater clarity, courage, and composure.The unseen work of emotional regulation may never make headlines, but its the steady undercurrent that allows me to lead with intention and more grace, even amidst the most challenging times. This commitment to grounding myself daily ensures I can show up as the leader my community deserves.Natalie Jobity, leadership elevation strategist, keynote speaker, best-selling author, The Unveiled WayDesign strategic icebreakers for meetingsOne simple example of my behind-the-scenes work as a leader is strategically designing the first five minutes of our team meetings to promote skill-building and relationship-building in the areas my team needs. I call them strategic icebreakers.While it may seem like a simple icebreaker, I carefully choose questions or activities that align with the challenges or goals the team will face in the near future. For instance, if collaboration with another department is upcoming, Ill use a question like, Whats one skill you admire in a colleague? to foster a mindset of mutual respect. If the team is presenting at a conference, I might ask, Whats a story in our industry that has inspired you recently? to get them thinking about compelling narratives. When stress is high, we might start with a quick breathing exercise or, Whats one thing you do to recharge during a busy week?This invisible work matters because it sets the tone for the meeting and primes the team for the tasks ahead. It also consistently builds relationships and trust, even in virtual and hybrid environments. Over time, this intentional approach has positively impacted our team dynamics by fostering a sense of connection, purpose, and alignment that extends far beyond the icebreakers themselves.Bailey Parnell, founder and CEO, SkillsCampCurate Personalized Growth RoadmapsOne of the most unique and often unseen aspects of my leadership is curating personalized growth roadmaps for every team member.This isnt just about job responsibilitiesits about understanding what drives each person, what theyre passionate about, and how they want to grow both professionally and personally. Some want more 1:1 meetings for guidance, others prefer fewer meetings to focus, some are looking for tips on growing their LinkedIn presence, while others need accountability partners to stay on track.By getting to the heart of what each individual needs, I can tailor my approach, offering support where its most needed. Its not a one-size-fits-all approach; its about aligning their role with their personal goals.This level of personalization is crucial because everyone on the team is motivated by different factors. By understanding what they need to succeed and feel fulfilled, I can provide the right kind of environment for them to thrive. Whether its a space to be creative, the opportunity for deeper mentorship, or the chance to grow their personal brand, this approach ensures that people feel empowered and engaged in what they do.For example, one team member wanted more frequent feedback and strategic input, so I set up regular 1:1s with them. Another person needed fewer meetings to stay in a creative flow, so I gave them more flexibility in their schedule. Some were eager to build their LinkedIn presence, so I offered tips and coaching, while others needed a push to stay accountable, so I paired them with accountability partners.AJ Eckstein, founder and CEO, Creator MatchFoster cross-team communication and alignmentOne example of behind-the-scenes work I do is fostering cross-team communication and alignment. Its not something thats immediately visible, but its crucial for keeping everyone on the same page, especially as the organization grows. I spend a significant amount of time in one-on-one conversations with team leads, understanding their challenges, and finding ways to bridge gaps between departments.This work is important because miscommunication or misalignment can slow progress and create frustration among teams. By staying proactive, I ensure that everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture and where they can support each other.The impact? Its created a more collaborative environment where teams feel supported and empowered to work together. This invisible effort has strengthened our team dynamics, leading to faster problem-solving, smoother project execution, and a stronger sense of shared purpose.Yuying Deng, CEO, EsevelReflect before making decisionsOne of the most impactful, yet often invisible, aspects of my role as a leader is the time I spend in quiet reflection before making decisions that affect our company. Whether its choosing a strategic direction or addressing operational challenges, I take a step back to evaluate how these choices will impact every stakeholderour employees, vendors, clients, and the broader ecosystem of our business.This approach is deeply rooted in my military experience, where I learned that every decision has cascading effects on the mission, the team, and the larger operation. That same principle applies in business leadershipevery choice I make must be thoughtful and precise, with a clear understanding of how it will ripple through the organization.This intentional process requires me to disconnect and think deeply about long-term implications. While it might look like Im off the grid, Im actually mapping out how a single decision could affect every layer of the business. This ensures that when I communicate a decision with my team, Im prepared to address follow-up questions and explain the rationale clearly.Not everyone sees the full picturethey may only focus on how a decision affects their specific role or department. By taking the time to consider how my choices impact everyone, I help align our team around a shared vision, reduce friction, and create a culture where people trust that their perspectives have been factored into the bigger picture. Its invisible work, but its essential for fostering trust, cohesion, and long-term success within the company.Tabatha Turman, CEO, Integrated Finance and Accounting SolutionsEmbed values in every business aspectMuch of the behind-the-scenes work I do revolves around ensuring our values are embedded in every aspect of the business. Sustainability isnt just a marketing messageits a guiding principle that requires ongoing decisions around materials, supply chain processes, and product innovation. I dedicate significant time to conversations with suppliers, auditing production methods, and improving our B Corp scores to ensure we remain true to our mission of creating a more sustainable world. Its not glamorous, but its vital to maintaining authenticity and building trust with our customers.Embedding values into the core of our business is crucial for three reasons:Building trust and reputation: Stakeholdersincluding customers, partners, and investorsengage more deeply with companies that consistently uphold their values, enhancing our integrity and reputation.Improving employee engagement and retention: A company that practices what it preaches fosters a positive work environment, reduces turnover, and attracts talent aligned with its mission.Enhancing customer loyalty: Authenticity and ethical principles resonate with customers, creating stronger emotional connections and driving long-term loyalty.A strong team culture is equally important. Investing in people ensures they feel valued and see a clear connection between their aspirations and the companys success. This drives engagement and motivation, creating a ripple effect of positivity and collaboration.This approach has fostered a culture of trust, psychological safety, and empowerment, allowing team members to bring their authentic selves to work and take ownership of their roles. It strengthens our resilience in high-pressure situations and deepens the sense of community that fuels collaboration and innovation.Phoebe Yu, founder and CEO, ettitude
