If there has ever been any wonder to the validity of this word, confirmation exists today. According to the dictionary, the meaning of persnickety has powerful implications for leadership.

Two definitions characterize this week’s word. The first involves too much emphasis on trivial and minor details. The second requires a particularly precise or careful approach. Both ideas relate to areas concerning leadership.

Leadership can be hindered when mountains are made out of mole hills, when we major in the minors and minor in the majors. While trivial and minor details are a part of the overall picture, they must not be the priority and emphasis. These details can create a greater distraction from the need.

Our leadership, however, expands when utilizing a precise and careful approach. An approach to goal-setting, planning, decision-making, and task implementation with precision and watchfulness, establishes credibility in our adeptness to lead. Imagine the difference such an approach makes.

Based on the ideas expressed, adding a little “persnickety” to our leadership lends itself to developing a stronger approach when leading others.