Effective leaders focus on small, deliberate adjustments to keep their organizations aligned rather than chasing grand transformations. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldback share insights from their latest book, Hone: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift, highlighting how everyday actions shape long-term success.
Instead of waiting to implement transformational changes all at once–which are often costly and prone to failure—Tuff and Goldbach recommend leaders make small adjustments that are easier to monitor daily. These “honing” actions prevent the organization from drifting off course, keeping operations aligned with strategic objectives.
"Instead of waiting to make big transformational moves that often fail and are costly, it's better to stay on top of the details day in and day out." — Geoff Tuff
The idea of sweeping transformation can sound appealing and inspiring. Goldback notes that businesses often become addicted to transformation because they lose sight of the small, daily actions that make up the bigger picture. While major transformations are sometimes necessary, they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for daily diligence.
Often, when a new leader takes the helm, they bring bold visions and ambitious plans to reshape the company. Tuff and Goldbach argue that leaders should resist this impulse. Instead, they should immerse themselves in daily operations, observing and adjusting the management systems that guide employee behavior and organizational culture.
Tuff and Goldback describe the CEO’s role as that of a “chief system designer.” Management systems, or the combination of policies, processes, and practices that shape behavior, govern the culture and collective performance of an organization. By realigning these systems, leaders can influence behavior and drive meaningful change without disruptive overhauls.
"The subatomic particle that matters most in business is human behavior. If you want to drive any type of change, the unit of analysis has to be the management system." — Steven Goldbach
Tuff and Goldbach stress that honing does not mean that busy CEOs must work harder —just differently. Paying close attention to details ensures the organization remains aligned, reducing distractions and minimizing the recurring need for sweeping transformation. This hands-on approach also strengthens collaboration with middle management. Leaders who show curiosity and engagement motivate their teams and foster a sense of pride and accountability throughout the organization.
The most powerful way that a leader can implement change is by understanding which behaviors matter. Without behavioral change, organizational change can’t occur. By aligning management systems and identifying key behaviors, leaders can prevent drift, sustain culture and maintain momentum toward long-term goals.
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