In leadership, there are no neutral moments. Every word, every tone and every moment of silence has meaning. Whether you’re leading a company, a team or even a project, your communication creates ripples. Each interaction is a wave that travels well beyond the immediate exchange. And each interaction shapes the trust, morale and performance of the group. Ultimately, forming the ripple effects that create culture.
It’s easy to think of leadership impact in terms of the “big” moments—announcing strategy shifts, leading an all-hands meeting or even managing a crisis. But in reality, it’s the seemingly small moments that often mean more. A leader’s response to a missed deadline, the tone in a check-in meeting or the facial expression over a Zoom meeting. The moments that can either uplift or deflate the person(s) receiving them. These micro-moments either reinforce a culture of clarity and care or cause confusion and disengagement.
As leaders, we should be conscious that communication is not just the words we say or the exchanges we have. It’s what others hear, feel and carry forward— sometimes long after the conversation ends.
Positive Ripples: Amplifying Trust and Ownership
When leaders communicate with empathy and clarity, they create a positive multiplier. Asking a thoughtful question in a team meeting can spark ownership in a junior employee. Offering a word of genuine recognition can inspire loyalty. Sharing a glimpse into their own vulnerability can grant others permission to be authentic. For example, a leader admitting they struggled early in their career gives permission for others to speak openly about their own growth areas.
Similar to skipping a stone across a lake. One word or action—when well-intentioned—creates ripples far beyond the original point of contact. Ripples that build a culture of trust, inclusion and accountability. Not by grand gestures, but by consistent, intentional communication.
Negative Ripples: When Silence Speaks Loudest
Conversely, the absence of communication or an offhand remark can create ripples too—often in ways that remain unseen until it’s too late. Ambiguity breeds anxiety. Lack of feedback creates doubt. Sarcasm, even if unintended, can erode psychological safety. One dismissive comment in a leadership meeting can cascade into an entire team second-guessing their value or decisions.
And unfortunately, negative ripples often move faster and stick longer than positive ones, because our brains are wired to protect against threat more than to internalize praise. That’s why emotional intelligence and self-awareness are non-negotiable for leaders.
Build Your Leadership and Create Your Own Ripples
Every leader can own their communication ripple effect. The question is: are you aware of yours? And are the ripples you’re sending building momentum—or stirring unrest?
What you intend to communicate may not be what’s received. But great leaders can bridge that gap—by listening more than speaking, by being present instead of reactive and by treating every conversation as a chance to build something, not just say something.
And that is how culture is built. Not in offsites or slide decks—but in conversations. A million of them. Remember that as a leader, you shape our culture every time you speak. Make it count.
Interested in joining a culture of trust and leadership?
We continue to build a team where every moment matters and every voice counts. Learn how you can make an impact and explore careers at Directive.
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Carrie Muehlemann
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