Many people think great leaders are defined by skills, strategies, or charisma. While these qualities matter, they are not what sets the best leaders apart. The number one sign of a great leader is how your presence makes others feel. Leadership is about more than competence—it’s about the impact you leave in every interaction. When you radiate positivity, encouragement, and confidence, others feel empowered. This ability to uplift those around you is what truly distinguishes great leaders.
I help leaders realize that their true leadership potential lies in how they make others feel, drawing on my experience as an executive leadership coach. My role is to guide them in understanding the power of their presence and how it impacts their teams. Here are six powerful ways your presence impacts those around you and reveals your potential for exceptional leadership:
Empowering Others to Believe in Themselves
Great leaders make people feel confident in themselves. By showing genuine belief in your team members’ abilities, you inspire them to take on challenges. Your encouragement helps them see their potential and motivates them to step beyond their comfort zones.
Building an Atmosphere of Trust and Openness
Leadership requires creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. When your presence makes people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to speak up, contribute, and innovate. Safety in expression leads to a culture of trust and collaboration.
Infusing Enthusiasm and Motivation
Your enthusiasm sets the tone for the entire team. Leaders who bring enthusiasm and positivity to every situation motivate others to stay engaged and productive. When people feel energized by your presence, they are more inclined to tackle challenges with resilience and optimism.
Connecting Through Genuine Empathy
A leader’s ability to make others feel valued starts with empathy. When you understand and relate to the emotions of others, they feel seen and supported. This connection builds loyalty and strengthens relationships, which is essential for long-term team success.
Celebrating Efforts and Recognizing Value
People want to feel that their efforts matter. Great leaders ensure that their presence acknowledges and celebrates the hard work of others. When individuals feel recognized, they are more motivated and committed to achieving team goals.
Encouraging Continuous Learning and Development
Your presence as a leader should encourage growth. When you make people feel capable of evolving and learning, you foster an environment where everyone strives to be better. By supporting personal and professional development, you inspire your team to reach new heights.
The number one sign you will be a great leader lies in how you make others feel. Leaders who radiate positivity, create safe environments, and elevate those around them foster a culture where everyone thrives. Your presence can ignite motivation and drive success within your team.
Lead From Within: Great leadership starts with the impact you have on others. When you lift others, you elevate not just them but yourself and the entire team.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Signs You Have the Mindset to Be a Great Leader
- 21 Leadership Habits to Cultivate This Year
- 7 Things Great Leaders Do To Get The Best Out Of Really Smart People
- It’s Never Too Late to Learn These 12 Powerful Leadership Habits
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- This is How You’ll know a Great Leader When You See One
- The Top 7 Leadership Habits to Avoid at All Cost
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.