Form and technique, no matter the endeavor, is equally proportionate to the results you achieve.

For the first time in my life, I’m in physical therapy. I have a knee issue. And I’m training for a half marathon. See the problem here? Bum knee and running distance don’t coexist … at least pleasantly.

But as I undergo these grueling sessions, making very specific, targeted movements to strengthen and stabilize my knee for optimal function, my therapist constantly critiques and tweaks my positioning and form. “Center your hips,” he says. “Tighten your core. Shift your weight a bit to the left … now to the right.” Etc. etc. It drives me batty! But it has caused me to think about how we overlook “form” as a critical factor in our success as leaders.

To get results, we must use accurate, pure, functional form or technique. Are you coaching an employee, to refine or improve her performance? Have you thought through the purpose of your conversation? Do you know, specifically, what message must be delivered? Have you identified your expectations to this individual—to encourage improvement? Did you practice delivering this message—as opposed to just doing it on the fly? Even the most subtle variances in our technique and execution can make significant differences in efficacy and outcome.

How about dealing with a particularly challenging or contentious relationship? Where have you stumbled in previous encounters with this individual(s)? What have you learned about their behavior | temperament | receptiveness? How can you use this information to better prepare yourself for future circumstances? If you had a coach on your shoulder critiquing your previous performances and preparing you for the next conversation | meeting | collaboration, what would his or her feedback or advice be?

The more we practice the smallest, most basic functions of leadership (listening, communicating expectations, reading people’s behaviors, addressing conflict, etc.) the more natural our delivery will become and the more effective the results we achieve.

Just like with my physical therapy, leaders can put in a lot of effort, but in the end, they may have nothing to show for it. If we are not intentional and focused in the manner in which we execute many of the “mundane” aspects of leadership, our effort can be futile. That’s why technique matters so much. Keep in mind that form really does = function.