In your work, how do you encourage your people to recognise and embrace the ripples they create? Do you connect it to legacy, influence, or a more profound sense of purpose?
Leadership isn’t solely about our decisions in boardrooms or during critical moments. It’s about influence—the ripples we create in our daily interactions. Every conversation, reaction, and choice sends signals to those around us. Whether we realise it or not, we are all leaders in our spheres—within our teams, our families, our communities—shaping the experiences of others in ways that extend far beyond the immediate moment.
But what if we’re not intentional about those ripples? What if our actions, or lack thereof, send the wrong message? A dismissive glance, an unspoken acknowledgment, a decision made without considering its broader impact—these seemingly small moments accumulate, shaping cultures, relationships, and perceptions. The most effective leaders don’t just focus on their influence when the stakes are high; they understand that leadership is lived in the everyday. It’s in how we listen, support, and show up—not just for others, but for ourselves.
And what if leadership, as we’ve traditionally understood it, begins much closer to home: with ourselves? Before we can lead others, we must first lead ourselves with clarity, purpose, and integrity. This means cultivating self-awareness, understanding our values, and being deliberate about the influence we wish to have.
It means asking:
• How do my actions—big or small—affect those around me?
• Am I leading with authenticity and alignment, or am I merely reacting to circumstances?
• What kind of legacy do I want to leave, not just in my career, but in the daily interactions that define who I am?
Authentic leadership isn’t about titles or authority; it’s about conscious influence. It’s about recognising that even the smallest moments—how we respond under pressure, encourage others, and choose to show up—create a ripple effect that can either empower or discourage, uplift or diminish.
The question isn’t whether you’re creating ripples. You are. The real question is: Are you shaping them with intention?
A vital outcome of personal development is the enhancement of emotional intelligence (EQ). Leaders who nurture self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills create psychologically safe workplaces where individuals can thrive. Research indicates that leaders with high emotional intelligence promote stronger team dynamics, enhance conflict resolution, and stimulate innovation. When employees feel emotionally connected to their leader, trust is strengthened, and trust serves as the foundation of high-performing teams.
A leader’s ability to manage their own emotions and respond to those of their team members with empathy fosters an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe to take risks, voice their ideas, and contribute fully to the organisation’s success.
Rippling refers to the fact that each of us creates – often without our conscious intent or knowledge – concentric circles of influence that may affect others for years, even for generations.
Ultimately, leadership is about managing others and leading by example. When leaders commit to lifelong learning and personal development, they set a powerful precedent for their teams. They exemplify the value of growth, adaptability, and resilience, inspiring their people to follow suit. Investing in leadership development is not merely an investment in an individual; it is an investment in the entire team and, by extension, the organisation’s long-term success.
If you’re a leader, ask yourself: How am I investing in my personal growth? What steps can you take today to enhance your communication, emotional intelligence, and ability to foster trust? Minor, consistent improvements in these areas can create a ripple effect that transforms your team and your organisation.
Take a moment today to reflect on the ripples you’re creating. What’s one small shift you can make in your daily interactions to lead with more presence, purpose, and positive impact? Ultimately, leadership isn’t just about making significant decisions—it’s about the moments that define how others experience us daily.
Reference Yalom