The B.E.S.T. Leader: Four Practices That Create Massive, Long Lasting Impact

Every leader wants to make a difference - but the ones who create lasting impact don’t rely on authority, charisma, and clever strategies.

They build trust. Trust build people. And these people create the culture and environment where others can thrive.

If you want to create meaningful, sustainable change in your workplace, start with these four practices. I’m a lover of anything that makes remembering easier… so I’ve put them together as a simply titled acronym B.E.S.T. 

B - Be the Weather

Your presence sets the emotional climate of every room you walk into. Not your title. Not your KPIs. You.  A few years ago, I developed the practice of answering “Fantastic” when anyone asked me how I was when I entered the office first thing in the morning.  And yes – the nay-sayers amongst you muttering that “I’m not always fantastic.  I feel tired.  The car broke down on the way to work.  I have to have dinner tonight with my in-laws” :P . 

You know what?  You can ALWAYS find a reason to be fantastic.  And simply stating “I’m Fantastic!” creates not only an energetic shift but a statement of fact that, as you hear it regularly, you begin to believe and act upon.

People take their cues from your tone, your energy, your steadiness, and your emotional clarity. When you’re grounded, calm, and intentional, your team feels safe to think, speak, and contribute. When you’re reactive or rushed, the whole environment tightens.

Great leaders don’t wait for the weather — they become it.

Ask yourself:

• What atmosphere do I create when I arrive?

• Do people breathe easier around me, or brace themselves?

• What emotional tone do I want to set today?

  
  

And be consistent.

E - Encourage, Always

One of my favourite quotes (Yes – I have a few!) is “It’s easy to find the dirt in someone.  Be the one who finds the gold.” Encouragement is strategic.

People rise when they feel seen. They stretch when they feel supported. They take risks when they know their leader believes in them.

Encouragement means recognising effort, naming strengths, and reinforcing progress - especially when the work is hard or the outcome is uncertain.

Encouragement is fuel. Why is it so powerful?  Because it changes how someone Feels – not only about the work they are doing, but about themselves.

And the best leaders give it generously, consistently, and authentically. (As an aside, this is also a game-changer for any of your relationships be they personal or professional. Positive reinforcement is key to performance elevation in every arena).

S - Seek to Learn, Not to Tell

In transparency, I stole this from Jefferson Fisher (The Jefferson Fisher Podcast & “The Next Conversation” Penguin Books, 2025). The fastest way to elevate your leadership is to shift from “I need to have the answers” to “I need to understand what’s really happening." - because this ensures others feel Valued.

Curiosity is a superpower. It dissolves defensiveness and opens dialogue, paving the way to solutions you would never have found alone.  It ensures there is constantly a feedback loop allowing for agility, iteration and innovation.

When leaders stop telling and start learning, teams stop performing for them and start performing with them.

Try replacing:

• “Here’s what we need to do…”

  with

• “What are you seeing that I might be missing?”

  
  

It changes everything.

T - Transformation Starts With You

Are you seeking to up-level each and every area of your life?  Where can you improve your learning, performance, conversations, community contribution, physical health?  Be someone that your team want to emulate. 

Have open conversations about what you are working on.  Vulnerability creates an environment where the need and desire for change is desired rather than feared.

Every cultural shift, performance lift and breakthrough in a team begins with one person deciding to act differently. Not perfectly - differently.

When you grow, your team grows.  When you shift, the system shifts.  When you take responsibility for your impact, you unlock theirs.

Leadership is an inside job - and the ripple effect is extraordinary.

B.E.S.T. Leaders don’t Maintain.  They Change.

If you want to see massive, long‑lasting impact in your workplace, start with these four practices. They’re simple, but they’re not small.

They will reshape how you show up, how your team feels, and how your organisation performs.

And the best part?  You can start today. One conversation. One moment. One choice at a time. (oh – and did I mention zero financial outlay? :P)

Have a great week!

Rachel x