Leading Beyond the Election

A few months ago, during a virtual keynote with a commercial real estate firm, someone unmuted during the Q&A to ask a question I hear over and over again:

“What do I do when my manager doesn’t embody the qualities of a Ripple Effect Leader—vulnerability, kindness, curiosity, empathy, humility?”

It’s a question that resonates beyond the workplace and surfaces often in today’s climate. Right now, I’m hearing the same question from people who don’t see these qualities reflected in the leaders of our country. It’s a familiar frustration, and I always offer the same answer:

Be the leader you wish you had.

It’s natural to wish for leaders who inspire us, but the reality is that we have the power to be that inspiration for others. When we model vulnerability, we create safety. When we approach with kindness, we disarm defensiveness. When we lead with curiosity, we open minds. When we lead with empathy, we validate others’ experiences. When we lead with humility, we recognize that we don’t have all the answers, inviting others to contribute their unique perspectives. These are not just soft skills—they are profound ripple-starters that expand these qualities in others in a way that will influence behavior and culture in the long-term.

Imagine the Ripple Effect: One act of kindness from a colleague can make someone’s entire day. One instance of curiosity can spark ideas that were never considered. One moment of empathy can foster trust that outlasts a meeting or a project. By embodying the qualities we value, we plant seeds of change. Those seeds don’t stop growing when we leave the room—they linger, impact, and eventually shape the culture around us.

And that’s the responsibility we each carry.

So, if you’re feeling disappointed by the absence of these qualities in leaders around you—whether in your workplace or in the world—remember that change doesn’t start with titles or positions. It starts with the courage to show up in the way you want others to show up.

Leadership isn’t about the authority to make a change; it’s about the willingness to be the change.

-Chris Rollins

When we live by these principles, we create communities, teams, and workplaces that thrive on authenticity and connection. And collectively, that is where the Ripple Effect takes root, turning a single act of integrity into a wave of meaningful impact.

So as we move forward from this election season, let’s ask ourselves: How can I ripple out the qualities that matter to me?

Because each of us has the power to make those qualities expand far beyond ourselves. That’s the promise of Ripple Effect Leadership.