MICRO‐PRACTICES 
TO HELP YOU BECOME A GREAT LEADER AND LEARN TO LEAD FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Abstract The authors, all senior partners at McKinsey & Company, concluded in working with many leaders that there was a need for greater self‐awareness and self‐reflection. The article, and a recent book from which it is adapted, is based on “a step‐by‐step approach for leaders to reinvent themselves both professionally and personally.” The starting point revolves around “three dimensions: leading yourself, leading individuals and teams, and leading organizations.” Each dimension lists and describes various “micro‐practices.” Within the first dimension, in their words, are, in their words, put being before doing; pause for productive reflection and solitude; seek and embrace feedback from others; keep learning; and embrace optimism; in dimension two; be attentive; foster learning and growth; give feedback; build confidence and an ownership mindset on your team; and celebrate the big things and little things; in dimension three; reinforce values and purpose; master clear communication; be a role model for the rest of the organization; build capabilities and promote continuous learning; and engage stakeholders. “Leadership is now all about personal change,” they conclude, “about being the change you want to see in the world, and then inspiring others to follow.”