09 Feb The 10-Minute Rule: Making Every Interaction with Your Team Count

Leadership isn’t about the hours you spend—it’s about the impact you make. In the chaos of a packed schedule, it’s easy to overlook the power of brief interactions. But the reality is, even short moments can drive motivation, productivity, and team morale. That’s where the 10-Minute Rule comes in.

Rather than rushing through check-ins or getting lost in back-to-back meetings, treating every 10-minute interaction as a meaningful touchpoint can make a significant shift in your team’s dedication and success. When you are intentional, present, and focused, even a short conversation can make a lasting impact.

How to Make Every 10 Minutes Count

Here are three simple but powerful ways to maximize these interactions.

1) Be Present

When you’re short on time, presence is everything. Put distractions aside, silence notifications, and focus entirely on the conversation. A dedicated, focused 10 minutes is far more effective than an hour of multitasking and half-listening. When your team members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and aligned with company goals.

2) Ask Thoughtful Questions

A well-placed question can spark insight, uncover challenges, and build trust. Instead of defaulting to “How’s everything going?” try something more impactful, such as:

• “What’s one thing I can do to support you?”
• “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?”
• “What’s working well, and what could be better?”

By asking specific, meaningful questions, you create space for honest dialogue and problem-solving.

3) Clarify and Empower

Your role as a leader is to help your team focus on priorities, remove roadblocks, and encourage confidence. Use these moments to:

• Reinforce key goals and priorities
• Provide guidance without micromanaging
• Acknowledge achievements and contributions
• Offer autonomy and trust

Empowered employees perform better and take more ownership of their work when they feel supported and clear on expectations.

The Ripple Effect of Intentional Leadership

When done right, 10-minute interactions can transform the way you lead. By making these moments count, you not only improve team productivity but also strengthen relationships, build trust, and create a culture of open communication.

A short conversation can be the difference between an employee feeling overlooked or feeling like a vital part of the team. Intentionality matters.

Ready to Try?

How do you make the most of quick interactions with your team? If you haven’t been super successful with it so far, I have some ideas that can turn things around. If you want to pick my brain, you can contact me here via my website or email me directly at michael@consultstraza.com.