Small Acts of Leadership 12 Intentional Behaviors That Lead to Big Impact

Introduction: Small Things Can Matter Most

1. Believe in Yourself

2. Build Confidence

3. Introduce Challenge

4. Express Gratitude

5. Fuel Curiosity

6. Grant Autonomy

7. Strive for Authenticity

8. Be Fully Present

9. Inspire Others

10. Clarify Roles

11. Defy Convention

12. Take a Break

Biography

G. Shawn Hunter is an entrepreneur, best- selling author, and founder and president of Mindscaling.

“Engrossing and compelling. Shawn shows how anyone can step up and quietly take the lead with small, intentional acts each day.” Susan Cain, co-founder of Quiet Revolution and New York Times best-selling author of QUIET

“Pops with brave energy and honesty. This is a big, audacious book; Shawn distills the best of leadership wisdom with the most recent science in human behavior to show that anyone can take small steps every day to great leadership. One of the best business reads of the year. A triumph!” Marshall Goldsmith, award-winning executive coach, New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Triggers

“Hunter has done the nearly impossible—he has created a business book that is simultaneously wise, insightful, and incredibly enjoyable to read. Buy it now, read it, and reap the rewards.” Hap Klopp, founder of The North Face and best-selling author of ALMOST

“A terrific and enjoyable read. It dispels the notion that great leadership is something bestowed upon people at birth. This book demonstrates that grit and perseverance, combined with a willingness to learn, are keys to taking one’s leadership to another level. Reading this book and applying its principles will make you a better leader; reading it twice might just make you a transformational leader!” Tom DiDonato, senior vice president, Human Resources, Lear Corporation

“Every day we are confronted by complexity and urgency which leave us feeling we have no control over our own lives. Shawn Hunter’s new book shows us that a few simple actions will help us take control and reach our full potential. Clarity, simplicity, and real-world examples of success provide a high-impact solution to the challenges of the modern world of work.” Chris Roebuck, Transformational Leadership Speaker

“This is Shawn Hunter at his very best. All grit and courage . . . telling stories that hit home, ring true, and point the way to a better you. This is a must-have toolbox for every manager.” John Ambrose, general manager, SumTotal, a Skillsoft Company

“What if you had a trusted mentor and friend who was there to guide and support you on your leadership path? That’s what Shawn Hunter provides in Small Acts of Leadership. A gifted observer and storyteller, Shawn shares how small, mindful acts and clear intention can make the difference for you not just as a leader, but as a person.” Scott Eblin, author of The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success and Overworked and Overwhelmed: The Mindfulness Alternative

“Shawn Hunter delivers a wealth of knowledge in Small Acts of Leadership. Key points from the business and psychology literatures are expertly distilled into a concise, thoughtful, and engaging narrative, allowing current or aspirational business leaders to read about critical new findings from research. Shawn also draws upon his vast experience of working with business leaders to provide relevant and entertaining examples to show how new learning from the book can be applied in real business situations. As a business school professor, I teach executives all over the world. I will definitely recommend that they read Small Acts of Leadership.” Jill Klein, Professor of Marketing, Melbourne Business School, Australia

"Drawing on interviews, personal experience, and research, the author offers lessons on such traits as grit, kindness, and resilience from a diverse array of individuals, including athletes, academics, and authors. He adds business relevance through references to and quotes from corporate leaders at companies like Merck, Schering-Plough, and Ingram Micro. Throughout, the author introduces a wide variety of helpful concepts in short nuggets of helpful advice and insights." Publishers Weekly

"A not-so-dirty dozen behaviors, from self belief to gratitude to curiosity to mindfulness, in this manifesto for executives and annabe leaders." Booklist Reviews.

"This book explores how focusing on purposeful changes can help shape successful leaders and, potentially, their teams. In a world of rushing to meetings and constant screen time, Hunter suggests a small-scale, mindful, and deliberate approach toward positive change. Delivered throughout are robust examples illustrating these strategies told through stories and interviews in easily digestible segments. The book's strength is its solid, practical advice presented in straightforward language." Library Journal