One of the most powerful things we can do as managers and leaders is to stay focused on what we can control. And this lesson is one of the most important gifts you can give your people. Time spent dwelling on what other people are saying, doing, or thinking is only valuable energy wasted.

Encourage your people to focus on what they can control. Remind them of their role. Make it clear that you’re not asking for perfection. Only ask and expect people to get better – to continually improve, not to be perfect.

Results are important but only happen because of the small things, the small decisions, we make each day. Role model good decision making. Through your example show your people how to be open to feedback. Show them how to listen and how to have empathy. Show them how to drive their development. Show them how to embrace change rather than resist it. Show them the value in going above and beyond to make something great happen.

These are decisions, each day, that we can control. If we’re doing these little things right, then the results will follow. Be willing to role model the behaviors you expect from your people. Then help them see the connection between focusing on what they can control and better results.

Finally, thank your people. They don’t hear it often enough. It’s far easier to focus on what’s wrong and overlook all that’s going right. Show your team, through your example, that having perspective matters. See things as they are, not worse than they are.