TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos

Adam Contos is a former SWAT leader turned CEO, leadership advisor, and author of “Start With a Win: Tools and Lessons to Create Personal and Business Success.”  In this episode, Adam begins by defining a "win" in leadership not as just hitting KPIs or completing projects, but as creating momentum through small, daily victories. 

Adam stresses the importance of fostering a culture of accountability within teams, but without micromanaging. He explains that accountability is about creating an environment where people can succeed, rather than policing behavior. 

When discussing setbacks, Adam reminds us that challenges are inevitable, but it’s how leaders respond that defines them. Instead of reacting emotionally, strong leaders respond thoughtfully, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. Adam also discusses how to sustain momentum, and highlights how constant, small improvements drive long-term results. 

Adam’s insights provide a fresh approach to leadership, showing that small, consistent actions over time can build lasting success. If you’re ready to implement these principles in your leadership journey, this episode is a must-listen.

 

https://bit.ly/TLP-459

 

Key Takeaways

[05:22] Jan asks Adam to define a "win" in leadership. Adam clarifies that a win isn’t just about KPIs or project completions. Instead, he believes it’s about creating momentum. He calls them "micro wins," like waking up before the alarm. Small wins add up, laying the foundation for bigger successes down the road.

[06:34] Jan asks what shifts momentum for a team. Adam points to emotional intelligence, learning from failures, and adjusting strategies. Leaders help create a culture of confidence and resilience, guiding their teams to focus on strengths and not dwell on setbacks.

[07:59] Adam shares that successful leaders don’t leave their days to chance. They start by setting clear priorities, communicating expectations, and modeling discipline. Jan asks if leaders should set boundaries or let teams determine their own priorities. Adam says it’s a mix. Leaders need to define expectations and values, but also give teams the flexibility to make their own decisions.

[11:39] Adam explains that accountability isn’t about policing; it’s about creating an environment where people can succeed. Jan references a past guest who discussed the difference between what people want to do versus what they should do. He asks Adam how leaders can handle high-potential individuals who resist extra responsibility. Adam suggests challenging teams to grow while respecting their individual aspirations. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and leaders must find the right balance between encouragement and autonomy.

[15:16] Adam responds to the question about handling setbacks by saying that volatility and challenges are inevitable in all areas of life. What defines a person is how they respond. He reminds himself that each setback is just a chapter, not the whole story. Strong leaders see adversity as a stepping stone, not a stopping point. He stresses the importance of responding thoughtfully, not emotionally, to setbacks and learning from them for the future.

[18:07] Adam explains that leaders are made, not born. Instead of testing people under stress, leaders should train them to handle pressure by gradually increasing their exposure to challenging situations. This builds the skills and confidence needed to handle future stress.

[22:22] Jan asks how leaders balance confidence and humility. Adam says confidence without humility can lead to arrogance and failure. He explains that the balance shifts depen