DIA: Do It Anyway – The Secret to Great Leadership
Let’s face it: not every task on your to-do list is exciting. Some days, the work feels monotonous, unsexy, or even pointless. But here’s the truth: the most impactful results are often the ones you don’t see right away. And as leaders, it’s our job to inspire our teams to show up, put in the work, and Do It Anyway (DIA).
The DIA mindset isn’t about waiting for motivation to strike. It’s about acting with purpose—even when you don’t feel like it—because you trust that the payoff will come. It’s about focusing on the long game. And leaders? They’re wired for the long game.
Why Leaders Need to DIA
John C. Maxwell famously said, “Leaders see more, and they see before.” (Yes, it’s true—look it up!) As a leader, you have the vision to see what’s coming. You know that the mundane tasks, the late nights, and the grinding effort are laying the groundwork for something extraordinary. But your team? They might not see it yet.
That’s where you come in. You’re the keeper of the vision and the energy behind the movement. You can’t just tell your team to "trust the process" and hope they’ll stay motivated. You have to show them how to show up, especially on the tough days.
How to Inspire Your Team to DIA
Start with the “Why”
People need to know their work matters. Connect their tasks to the bigger picture. Whether it’s helping a customer, driving innovation, or setting the stage for future growth, show them the ripple effect of their efforts.Lead with Vulnerability
Let your team see that you don’t always feel like doing the work either—but you still do it. Share your own moments of struggle and how you’ve learned to push through. Authenticity inspires action.Celebrate the Grind
Success isn’t just the big wins; it’s the small, consistent actions that pave the way. Recognize the little victories and cheer on the unsung heroes who are showing up and doing the work—day in and day out.Make It Fun (When You Can)
Not every task has to be a slog. Add a little lightness to the hard work. Play music during mundane meetings, throw in a joke or two, or gamify progress toward a milestone. Joy can carry people farther than you think.
What Happens When You DIA
When you teach your team to embrace the DIA mindset, something amazing happens. They stop waiting for inspiration to strike and start building momentum on their own. They trust that their hard work today will pay off tomorrow. And they become more resilient, adaptable, and confident.
Because here’s the secret: when you do the work, even when it’s not glamorous, you create the conditions for success. And as a leader, when your team sees you grinding alongside them, they’ll believe in the mission—and in themselves.
So the next time you’re facing an uninspiring task, remember this: leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being the smartest person in the room. It’s about showing up, doing the REPS, and helping others believe that their work matters.
Now, let’s go DIA, shall we?
