True Leadership Lives in the Impact You Create

I was recently invited to facilitate a training on emotional intelligence (EQ) for a group of hospital leaders. I jumped at the opportunity. It’s a sign of how far leadership has evolved that even professionals who spend their days caring for the health of our community are now encouraged to pause and invest in developing their own leadership skills.

That’s not accidental. Leadership today requires more than technical expertise. Most leaders earn their seat at the table because they’re exceptional in their field, but once they step into leadership, the game changes. Their success is no longer about being the smartest person in the room;  it’s about how well they can influence, inspire, and multiply the impact of those around them.

The Business of Leadership Is Influence

At its core, leadership is about rallying people toward a common goal. Every company has objectives, but the way leaders bring their teams along to achieve them is uniquely individual. Some lean on motivation, others on accountability. The best leaders blend both, in a way that transforms a group of individuals into more than the sum of its parts.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Everyone brings their own set of experiences, personality traits, and behavioral tendencies into the workplace. Those differences shape not only how people see the world, but also how they interpret and respond to their leaders.

Leading with influence means more than pushing your perspective onto others. It requires curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Great leaders invest time in understanding their teams—what motivates them, where they struggle, and how they work best. When leaders meet people where they are, they create the conditions for growth, trust, and performance.

From Knowledge to Impact

Knowledge and expertise will always be valuable. They open doors, build credibility, and earn respect. But leadership isn’t defined by knowledge alone. It’s defined by the experience leaders create for others—the way they inspire, influence, and impact their teams.

Closing Thought

As we close out the year, here’s a reminder worth carrying forward:

True leadership lives in the impact you create, not the knowledge you hold.