Years ago, I met a coach who had taken over a struggling high school basketball team. They were good players, but they had been beaten down by years of losing seasons. In their minds, defeat was their default setting. When I asked the coach how he was going to turn things around, he smiled and said, “John, it’s all about momentum. If I can get them one small win, it’ll lead to another, and then another. And before they know it, they’ll believe they can win.”
Sure enough, the coach got to work. He didn’t start by talking about championships. He started with the basics: drills, teamwork, and discipline. Then, the moment came that changed everything—a narrow win in a pre-season game. It wasn’t a big victory, but it was enough to ignite something within the team. That single win gave them confidence. It fueled their work ethic. It made them hungry for more. By the end of the season, that team had a winning record for the first time in years.
That’s the power of The Big Mo—momentum. It’s one of the strongest forces in leadership, and it can be your greatest ally if you know how to build and sustain it.
The Key to Momentum: Small Wins Lead to Big Wins.
Momentum doesn’t start with a giant leap—it starts with a single, deliberate step. A small win can break through apathy and inspire belief. In your team, that might look like completing a project ahead of schedule, hitting a small milestone, or celebrating individual contributions. The size of the win doesn’t matter as much as its ability to energize and unify your people.
Momentum Makes Leadership Easier.
Here’s something I’ve learned: when you have momentum, problems look smaller, obstacles seem surmountable, and your team is more willing to take risks. Without momentum, even the smallest challenges can feel like mountains.
Think of momentum like pushing a car up a hill. At first, it’s hard work—grinding and slow. But once you crest the hill and the car starts rolling, you’re no longer pushing; you’re steering. That’s what momentum does for your leadership. It allows you to focus your energy on direction instead of propulsion.
How to Build and Sustain Momentum
- Create Early Wins: Focus on achievable goals that will build confidence and excitement.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledging milestones keeps the energy alive and reminds your team of their progress.
- Maintain Consistency: Momentum thrives on rhythm. Keep moving forward, even when the steps feel small.
- Address Resistance Quickly: Momentum can be fragile. Don’t let negativity or setbacks fester—address them head-on to keep things moving.
A Practical Challenge for You:
Look at your current leadership context. Where has momentum stalled? Identify one small but meaningful win you can help your team achieve this week. Then celebrate it—loudly! Watch how that energy fuels your next steps. Then, write us back here and tell us about your win. We want to celebrate with you!
Remember, The Big Mo doesn’t just happen; it’s something you create. And once you have it, guard it fiercely, because it can take your team farther than you ever imagined.
Keep leading well.
Your Friend,
John C. Maxwell