As a business leader, I have always believed that significant achievements are a collection of small, intentional actions. The book MicroSkills (2024) by Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss emphasizes just that—how micro-level skills can make a macro-level impact in both personal and professional growth.
Summary of the Book
MicroSkills is a guide to breaking down complex goals into smaller, actionable tasks that can lead to profound accomplishments. The authors, Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss, use their experiences as educators and healthcare professionals to share strategies for building resilience, managing workplace conflict, and fostering personal development. The book advocates for a shift in focus from broad, overwhelming goals to small, manageable skills that can lead to long-term success.
The essence of MicroSkills is simple: mastering small actions leads to significant change. Whether you’re a startup founder, business leader, or innovation professional, this book provides a toolkit for turning everyday actions into stepping stones for growth.
Key Insights from MicroSkills
- Small Steps Lead to Big Wins Landry and Lewiss highlight how breaking down complex goals into “micro” steps makes them more achievable. This was a lesson that resonated deeply with me. In my own journey as a founder, there have been countless moments where taking smaller, focused actions have led to monumental successes. For instance, instead of trying to overhaul an entire organizational structure, focusing on improving one department at a time has yielded better, sustainable outcomes.
- Resilience Through Micro Habits Building resilience isn’t about massive life changes—it’s about micro habits that promote well-being and efficiency. The authors use their medical backgrounds to explain how self-care habits can lead to better professional performance. This is particularly relevant for leaders and entrepreneurs who often sacrifice personal health for business gains. I found that even adding short mindfulness breaks into my schedule has helped increase my focus and energy levels, which ultimately benefits my business.
- Turning Conflicts into Opportunities One of the most compelling sections of MicroSkills is about conflict management. The authors argue that workplace conflicts, when managed through micro-level interventions, can become opportunities for growth. By breaking down conflicts into smaller issues, leaders can address them more effectively. In my experience, this approach has not only helped resolve tensions faster but has also led to more innovative solutions.
- MicroSkills in Leadership Leadership often feels like managing a massive ship. But as MicroSkills shows, great leadership is built on small, consistent actions. Leaders who focus on refining specific skills—whether it’s how to listen better, manage time more effectively, or delegate tasks efficiently—are the ones who build lasting, impactful organizations. I’ve noticed that developing these micro habits has significantly improved my ability to guide my teams toward success.
- Transformative Power of Consistency The book underlines the power of consistency in achieving professional success. Whether it’s a startup founder developing a new product or a leader managing organizational change, consistently practicing micro habits can compound into extraordinary results. This has been a fundamental principle in my journey as a founder, where daily, intentional actions have led to long-term, sustainable growth for my business.
Personal Experience as a Founder and Business Leader
As a business leader, the lessons from MicroSkills are particularly relevant. Building an organization often feels like you’re navigating an ocean, where the destination seems distant. What MicroSkills has reminded me is that by focusing on smaller, manageable actions—whether it’s improving communication with team members or breaking down long-term goals into short-term milestones—success becomes more tangible and less daunting.
The approach of focusing on micro steps resonates with my philosophy of leadership. Success, for me, has never been about taking giant leaps but rather making consistent, thoughtful steps toward growth. Each small action we take, whether it’s a conversation, a decision, or a new idea, compounds over time into significant progress. This book beautifully encapsulates this principle and offers a practical guide for those looking to achieve meaningful change in their careers and lives.
About the Authors
Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss are both accomplished professionals in the medical field, each bringing their unique expertise to the concept of micro-learning. Adaira, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, has extensive experience in mentoring and professional development, particularly in high-pressure environments. Resa Lewiss, a physician with a strong background in emergency ultrasound, has led several prestigious medical divisions and continues to shape the future of healthcare. Together, they offer an insightful perspective on how small skills can transform not just individuals but entire organizations.