Management is complex, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

If you have read James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, you know that small actions can lead to massive results.

A recent study found that 58% of employees trust a stranger more than their boss. Surprising, right? But what if changing that perception took less than 5 minutes a day?

The truth is that great leaders aren’t made from grand promises or speeches. They’re built through consistent, tiny habits that strengthen trust, communication, and connection day in and day out.

Here are five tiny leadership habits you can do in under 5 minutes every day to see real, lasting improvements in how your team sees you — and how you lead.

Habit 1: Start Every Day with a Quick Team Check-In

It only takes a couple of minutes to connect with your team, but the impact can be huge.

Start your day by sending a quick check-in message to one or more of your team members. This could be as simple as:

• “Hey, how’s everything going with your project?”
• “Anything I can help with today?”
• “How are you feeling about this week’s workload?”

This doesn’t need to be a formal email or Slack message. It could just be a conversation over the hallway when you run into your team members, or at the “water cooler”.

By opening up these lines of communication, you show that you care — not just about their tasks, but about them as people. It’s a quick way to stay informed and, more importantly, to build trust.

Research shows that 70% of employees say they feel more engaged when their leaders regularly communicate with them. This tiny habit sets the tone for open communication. Plus, it gives you insights into any brewing issues before they become full-blown problems.

Habit 2: Send One ‘Thank you’ Message

Gratitude goes a long way. Who doesn’t like a quick pat on the back, or small doses of appreciation?

Every day, take 2 minutes to send a quick message of appreciation to someone on your team who recently did something interesting. It could be for a job well done, for going the extra mile, or even for staying focused on a difficult task regardless of the outcome.

• “Great work on that presentation today, it really made a difference.”
• “I appreciate your effort on this project.”

It’s a small effort, but recognition is one of the most powerful motivators. Studies show that 81% of employees feel more motivated when their hard work is appreciated by their boss. By taking just a few minutes to acknowledge their efforts, you create a culture where people feel valued and respected.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you do this is to keep it short, simple and timely. There is no point appreciating someone after the horses have returned to their shed 🙂

Habit 3: Reflect on One Leadership Question

As leaders we can sometimes get pulled too deep into a particular project or topic that we can forget what we’re really there for.

Spend 3 minutes every day reflecting on one key leadership question. This practice reminds you to be more intentional in how you lead. Here are a few examples:

• “What can I do today to make someone’s job easier?”
• “Am I giving my team the clarity they need?”
• “How can I better align my actions with my team’s goals?”

You can do this while on your way to work, or even in the shower.

Research by Harvard Business Review found that leaders who regularly reflect on their experiences have 23% better performance. You don’t need to overthink it — just pick one question each day and give it a few minutes of thought.

Over time, this simple habit will improve your decision-making and sharpen your leadership instincts. Most importantly, it will help to bring you back to the center and focus on what really matters to you as a leader.

Habit 4: Provide a Quick Coaching Moment

As leaders, we’re not just there to get work done. Our teams look up to us for guidance and coaching so they can get better.

Take 3 to 5 minutes to provide a quick coaching moment to someone on your team. This could be offering guidance on a task or providing constructive feedback in-the-moment. Again, it doesn’t need to be formal — a quick chat can go a long way:

• “This tip has worked wonders for me in presentations — you may want to try it out.”
• “I noticed this approach worked well for you — keep building on that.”

93% of employees want more feedback from their managers, but they often don’t get enough. A quick coaching moment shows that you’re invested in their success and want to help them develop their skills.

Habit 5: Update Your Priorities

We are working in a world of changing priorities.

Spend 2 minutes reviewing and adjusting your to-do list to make sure it aligns with your team’s needs and the goals you’re working toward. This small habit helps you stay focused on what matters most and ensures that you’re setting the right example for your team.

• “Are we moving in the right direction as a team?”
• “Am I spending enough time on strategy than on tactics?”

Research shows that leaders who regularly review their priorities are 22% more productive. It keeps you grounded, eliminates distractions, and prevents the whirlwind of daily tasks from pulling you off course.

I use the Mind-boxing technique to continue to balance how I spend my time every day. You may want to check it out.