“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s words carry a truth that cuts to the heart of leadership. Leadership isn’t about being remembered for a great speech or a list of accomplishments. It’s about how you make others feel in the process.
When I think about the leaders who’ve shaped my life, I don’t recall their exact words or even the specific actions they took. What I remember is how they made me feel—valued, inspired, and capable of more than I thought possible. That emotional impact was their true legacy.
If we’re honest, this isn’t always easy. As leaders, we get caught up in tasks and goals. But the most meaningful connections happen when we pause to truly see and hear the people we lead.
How to Lead with Emotional Impact In Leadership
- Start with Empathy: Empathy isn’t a skill; it’s a mindset. It’s choosing to understand someone else’s experience without rushing to fix or judge.
- Be Fully Present: When someone speaks, give them your full attention. Silence the internal “what’s next” checklist and just listen.
- Celebrate Effort and Growth: Recognition doesn’t have to wait for perfection. When you acknowledge someone’s progress, you remind them they matter.
