If you’ve been reading my blog for more than a couple weeks, you know I’m committed to professional growth. Learning new things makes my heart happy and when I can share what I’ve learned with others, well then, I know I’m living out my purpose.  I’ve got a fresh lesson for you today. I spent all day last Saturday sitting in a professional development seminar learning from about a dozen powerhouse teachers.  They were all great but one captured my heart and made me cry.  I felt like I had been hiding under a rock somewhere.  I had never heard of Ed Mylett, business leader, peak performance expert, business strategist, author and podcaster.

He shared his personal story with us of what it was like growing up with an alcoholic father.  At just four-years-old he would meet his drunk father at the door to distract him so his mom and sisters could go hide upstairs and be safe.  He never got to be a kid.  He was dealing with grown up issues until he turned 15 when his dad got sober.  Instead of whining about how hard his life was he shared how that hardship made him a master communicator.  You see the trouble and the tragedies in each of our lives uniquely prepares us to help others.

He laughed as he shared about his low IQ, but his EQ emotional quotient is off the charts.  He has an estimated net worth of $400 million.  Not bad for a guy with a low IQ.

In his book The Power of One More, Ed breaks down a simple yet transformative idea: we’re often just one more action away from achieving something significant. Whether it’s one more phone call, one more step, or one more attempt, the idea of pushing just a bit further can be the difference between success and stagnation. 

Here are four key leadership lessons from the book that can help you harness the power of “one more” to inspire your team and elevate your leadership.

1. One More Conversation Can Shift the Culture

As leaders, we often underestimate the power of one conversation. Whether it’s checking in with a team member who’s struggling or offering words of encouragement to someone who’s excelling, that one conversation can make a huge difference. Mylett emphasizes that leadership is often about being present and engaged—being willing to have one more conversation with the people who look up to you.

Think about it: How many times have you put off a difficult discussion, only to see issues compound? Or maybe you missed the opportunity to recognize someone’s hard work, thinking you’d get to it later. The truth is, later often doesn’t come. But that one more conversation, in the moment, can uplift someone, resolve an issue, or change the trajectory of someone’s day, week, or even their career.

Action Tip: Set aside time each day for “one more conversation” with your team. It could be a casual check-in or a more formal discussion but make it a priority. That consistent engagement builds trust and connection, two pillars of great leadership.

2. One More Hour of Preparation Builds Confidence

Mylett talks about the value of “one more hour” of preparation. For leaders, this doesn’t mean drowning in endless work, but rather dedicating time to go the extra mile when it really counts. Whether it's prepping for a big meeting, analyzing data before a decision, or fine-tuning a presentation, that extra hour can sharpen your edge.

If you’re willing to do the hard work that others might not, your leadership will stand out, and your team will follow your example.

Action Tip: Whenever you’re prepping for something important, ask yourself, “What would one more hour of prep look like?” Then commit to it. It will improve your performance and set a standard for the level of effort expected from your team.

3. One More Attempt Can Change Everything

I believe one of the most powerful messages from Mylett’s book is that success often comes after that one more attempt. Whether you’re facing a big project, a stubborn obstacle, or a tough decision, persistence is key. I like to refer to it as being TENACIOUS.  I love that word and have lived by it for decades.  There are tons of people smarter than me but not many are more tenacious. Leaders need to model this resilience, showing their team that giving up isn’t an option, especially when you're on the verge of a breakthrough.  I say the only real failure in life is giving up.

Action Tip: Next time you’re facing a challenge, remind yourself (and your team) to try one more time. Whether it’s problem-solving, closing a deal, or finding a solution, that persistence/tenacity will often pay off when you least expect it.

4. One More Example Sets the Standard for Excellence

As leaders we’re always leading by example, whether we realize it or not. One more example of excellence, one more display of commitment, or one more demonstration of accountability can have a ripple effect on our teams. Mylett talks about the power of leading by doing—when leaders go above and beyond, their teams follow suit.

People look up to leaders not just for direction, but for inspiration. If you consistently show that you’re willing to give one more effort, they’ll feel inspired to do the same. 

Action Tip: Think about one more way you can lead by example this week. It could be staying late to finish a project, tackling a tough conversation, or taking on something outside of your comfort zone. When your team sees your dedication, they’ll naturally rise to meet it.

The beauty of The Power of One More is its simplicity. It’s not about huge, life-changing actions all at once. Instead, it’s about the small, consistent efforts that add up over time. As leaders, we have the power to influence, inspire, and drive change through these incremental actions.

I hope you’ll join me and commit to the process and power of one more.