INSPIRE
An otherwise smooth flight suddenly turns bumpy. Your eyes dart to the nearest flight attendant, searching for reassurance. Their calm, composed demeanor tells you everything you need to know—there’s no cause for alarm. Your heart rate steadies.
Whether we’re nervous flyers or seasoned jet-setters, we instinctively take cues from those leading the way. The flight crew’s experience, composure, and confidence don’t just guide the plane, they shape our perception of the journey. Their reactions are amplified in our minds, influencing how we feel about the turbulence.
This is an example of the leadership amplification effect, a concept introduced by Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School. It’s the phenomenon where a leader’s words, actions, and even subtle cues are magnified in impact. A passing comment, a facial expression, or a moment of hesitation can ripple through a team in ways leaders often don’t realize.
REFLECT
While one of my core values is that everyone is a leader, there is no denying that on any team, work or personal, various roles demand different kinds of contribution and have unique effects on the team. Titles like principal, superintendent, CEO, and parent don’t just come with unique opportunities – they come with magnified consequences. People look to these figures for guidance, even in subtle moments. This, in turn, requires these leaders to have a high level of self-awareness.
If you’re someone who holds one of these titles, know this. What you whisper is shouted. Your energy, reactions, and presence are amplified far beyond what you might expect.
You can view this as a burden or an opportunity. And why not seize the chance to create ripples with such a positive impact? And before you think you have to be perfect, you just have to be human – and bring your best to the moment.
A few key reminders to shape the impact you want to have:
- Be intentional with your presence. Leadership is more than what you say – it’s how you make people feel. Every interaction is an opportunity to either build or erode trust. Being aware of your impact and the wake you leave means paying attention to cues others give in response to you and seeking out feedback.
- Bring the energy your team needs. By default, you are the thermostat, not just the thermometer. Your tone sets the emotional climate for those around you.
- Model what you want to see. People will pay close attention to how you react, and your behavior and attitude will set the bar for your expectations. Others will often repeat what they are seeing from their leader.
- Communicate clearly and consistently. Clarity precedes competency and helps relieve unnecessary anxiety due to ambiguity. Be confident in what you know and transparent about what you don’t. Then make repetition your friend.
- Be confidently and curiously humble. Confidence and humility are not opposites – they coexist in great leadership. Stay curious and open-minded while staying perseverant and committed to your shared vision and purpose.
- Respond, don’t react. Keeping your emotions in check is a leadership must. Before responding to a challenging situation, take a moment to pause and assess your reaction until you can respond thoughtfully.
- Amplify others. Arguably, the BEST aspect of leadership is the opportunity to elevate others. Recognize their genius, empower them to contribute, and celebrate those accomplishments/
AMPLIFY
Leadership isn’t just about what you do – it’s about how your actions and energy ripple through those around you. By amplifying opportunity, strengths, and intentional actions, you create a culture where people thrive.
Whatever title you hold, your presence makes a difference. The leadership amplification effect reminds us that we lead through not just through the words we say but also the signals we send, the energy we bring, and the trust we build.
So, as you navigate your leadership journey, ask yourself: What am I amplifying? Am I projecting compassion, curiosity, and courage? Am I leaving a wake of elevation and inspiration?
Let’s continue the conversation – connect and share what the leadership amplification effect means to you. Because together, we are brilliant.
Lead with intention. Your leadership is already being heard – make sure it’s sending the message you want.
