It was over 15 years ago when I sat reading a case file in a hot claustrophobic porta cabin in Peterborough. I was there to chair a serious disciplinary hearing.  This was my eighth case in a number of investigations I had been asked to complete as there was a back log of cases that had built up over a lengthy period.  As I looked at the stories in the file, I recognised a common denominator of all these disciplinaries which pointed to events having got out of control.  The managers concerned had not ‘sweated the small stuff’, if they had only dealt with these situations when they were small, I would not be having to deal with someone’s future.

What is sweating the small stuff?

Diligence.  “Sweating the small stuff” is a phrase that refers to paying attention to the details and minor aspects of a project or task. It is often used in the context of business, where it is believed that paying attention to small details can lead to better results and outcomes.  I have found it has helped me in both my careers (Army and Social Care) and in all aspects of my personal life. I would also add it is also about anticipation – predicting what comes next.

Related:  Anticipate your way to success – Leadership in the Raw

When you need to sweat the small stuff:

  1. When you recognise a pattern(s) of behaviour – where have I seen this before?
  2. When your gut feeling tells you that this could get bigger.
  3. When you need to take charge no matter how senior you think you are – get involved!
  4. When you are tempted to ignore or put off dealing with a situation, that is the time you need to deal with it.
  5. When people tell you that you are getting the situation out of proportion – do not be put off.  E.g., so called ‘banter’ between colleagues of different genders that can quickly become or perceived as inappropriate or threatening.

The benefits of sweating the small stuff.

  • Dealing with a situation when it is small is often when you still have control, when it is big it is often out of your hands, and you have lost control of the outcome.
  • You only have a finite amount of time as a leader and a manager – you must not waste your time on events that could have been avoided.  
  • It is important for businesses to pay attention to the intricate details. Doing so can help improve the quality of work, increase efficiency, and lead to better results. 
  • Paying attention to detail also means learning as much as you can about your colleagues as individuals, not just as prospects. This creates an environment for you to cultivate the “know, like and trust” relationship that is so often the difference-maker.
  • It will make your team and/or company stand out. These are the things your customers  remember, and these are the things they mention to their networks about your company.

Create the culture (the way we do things around here) and the environment:

  • Tell your team that you all sweat the small stuff, so it becomes a mantra. You know it has been adopted when they quote the phrase back at you.
  • Take the time to explain what this means and why you all need to do this.
  • By creating  culture of high standards  Related: Doing what is right over doing what is easy – Leadership in the Raw
  • By all means delegate, but do not lose the accountability for everything that happens within your team.
  • Have a sense of urgency and a laser-like focus to everything you are responsible for

Forbes (American business magazine) suggests that:  

“Small things add up to create culture” and that “it is the seemingly ‘small’ stuff that can really impact workplace culture”.

Related:  The culture within you – Leadership in the Raw

Think like an athlete:

During the 1980s and 1990s I considered myself to be a track athlete. I wanted to be as competitive my limited talent would allow, and I was going to do this by sweating the small stuff. I knew from my coach, and running magazines, that athletes addressed the small stuff before they even stepped onto the track to compete. So, I would work from the top of my head down to my toes:

  • A short haircut (I no longer need to worry about that now).
  • Light running kit – I would wear a sleeveless vest even in winter for a race.
  • Cut my toenails so that my feet are comfortable in tight racing shoes.
  • The right weight – 1lb over and it could cost me a second per lap.
  • The right footwear for the conditions – the lighter the shoes the better. For 10km races I had a pair that only weighed 150 grams. Have I got the right length of spikes on my trainer? E.g., 5mm for track and 9mm for Cross Country.

Now I am ready to race. (5000m in 1990something) 

These may seem trivial things to consider, but each one made a difference to my efficiency and performance.

Finally: 

When I was looking for inspirational quotes for Sweating the Small stuff. I found a substantial number of articles which said ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ which is fine if you are just looking at lowering your blood pressure. However, if you are looking to create something new and revolutionary my recommendation is to sweat the small stuff.

Have I made my case?