It’s never about the role—it’s always about the goal.

Every campus has that one problem: the broken microwave. Maybe it doesn’t pop popcorn right or maybe it smells like someone’s idea of a “gourmet lunch” from the day before. But here’s the thing: being a leader isn’t just about fixing big problems; sometimes, it’s about dealing with the things everyone else avoids. Like the microwave. If you can fix that, you can fix anything or at least pretend to try, and that counts, too.

The burnt popcorn moment: acknowledge the smell in the room

Leadership starts with noticing the small stuff—the things that are impossible to ignore but too easy to overlook. The burnt popcorn scent that hangs in the air, the forgotten Tupperware in the fridge, the office printer that sounds like it’s about to explode…these little things are often what make people feel unimportant or frustrated at work.

You’re the leader who doesn’t just walk past these issues. You notice them. And by doing so, you signal that no problem is too small to care about. The broken microwave? It’s not just a kitchen nuisance; it’s a signal that you’re the type of leader who shows up, pays attention and fixes what matters even if it’s just the microwave.

Warming up leftovers: pretend to try (but actually, do)

Here’s the thing about leadership: sometimes you don’t need to know everything. You don’t need to have a magic solution. You just need to make a move. So, when the microwave’s on the fritz, don’t shy away from it. Open the door, give it a wipe-down and run a “cleaning cycle” with some lemon water inside.

Is it going to solve all the world’s problems? Probably not. But you’re trying and that’s enough. Pretending to try—and really trying—sends a message to your team: “I’m here. I’m involved. And I’m not too good to deal with the little things.” Leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about engagement.

Microwave, don’t fail me now: lead with your actions, not just your words

Talk is cheap. Everyone’s heard the speech about “fixing” the microwave. But it’s the leader who takes action that wins the respect. Don’t just nod and say, “Someone should really fix this.” Be the person who walks into the break room, looks at the microwave and thinks, “OK, time to fix it.”

You don’t need to have all the answers. But leading through action shows that you’re committed not just to the big projects but to the small ones, too. Taking the microwave seriously, even in its most humble state, is a leadership move that speaks volumes. Roll up your sleeves and make sure you do something, even if it’s just pushing a few buttons or scrubbing away mystery stains.

The old microwave dance: power of metaphor

The microwave is broken. But is it really just a microwave? It’s a metaphor for every “little thing” that people know needs fixing, but no one wants to touch. Maybe it’s that half-closed email thread, the outdated software or the “tiny” problem that always gets swept under the rug. It’s the “small stuff” that feels like a mountain when ignored.

The microwave represents the things that might seem trivial at first, but when left unaddressed, they create friction and dissatisfaction. As a leader, fixing the microwave isn’t just about having a functional kitchen appliance; it’s about showing that you care about the details. You’re not too busy, too important or too above it all to roll up your sleeves and tackle the things others ignore. That’s real leadership.

Popcorn done right: big picture isn’t always big

Now, here’s the twist. The microwave might never be the perfect appliance and you might not be able to turn it into a state-of-the-art machine overnight. But fixing the small stuff has an outsized impact. When your team sees you stepping up to address the little issues, it creates a ripple effect.

It’s not about making grand changes; it’s about making the small changes that elevate the whole environment. And, in the end, that makes people feel heard, seen and cared for—whether it’s a fresh batch of popcorn or a clean microwave.

Unplug the power cord: microwave mastery = leadership superpower

Next time you find yourself facing the broken microwave, don’t just walk away in defeat. Embrace the moment. Tackle it head-on. Wipe it down. Spray a little air freshener. Act like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.

Fixing the microwave isn’t the point—fixing the environment is. True leadership means caring about everything, even the details that might seem trivial at first. Show your team that every action matters and if you can make the microwave a little bit better, imagine what you could do with a bigger issue. Fix the microwave or pretend to try. Either way, you’ve just earned yourself some serious leadership street cred.

Speaking of bigger issues, your campus community needs leaders who care. The IGNITE Election is coming up and this is your chance to shape the future of your school. Voting isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about taking action, just like fixing that microwave.

Make sure you participate in the voting period from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28. Check who can vote on the IGNITE website. When it’s time to vote, head to a campus voting station at Humber Polytechnic North, Lakeshore or Downtown campuses or the University of Guelph-Humber between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. or vote online anytime using Simply Voting.

Mark your calendars, rally your crew and let’s make this year’s elections the best yet. See you at the polls!

Feature image courtesy of Stepan Kulyk via Unsplash.

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