If you’re in a leadership role, every single thing you do and say impacts somebody else. Your team pays attention and so do clients. For better or worse, you’re impacting people every day. Are you aware of that power?

First and foremost, it’s important to become aware of it, because realizing that power can be striking but also inspiring. This sort of impact can have a trickle down effect, and it starts with you. If leaders took the necessary time to stop and reflect on how they impact their surroundings and the people within them, organizations would run more smoothly and leaders would feel more fulfilled in their daily work.

So, that sounds great, right? But how is this done?

First, once you grasp your power, ask yourself the following:

What am I going to do with this power and information?
What can I do to improve my impact on those around me and foster a sense of community and trust on my team?

Take the next week to study your situation. As you move into a room, take note of how people act. As you speak to them, mentally note their reactions. How do they respond to you? Did the room feel better or worse when your time there was through? Take notes throughout the week to get an overall sense of how your presence, words, and actions make people on your team react.

Though this process won’t solve all your communication hurdles, it will at least start to give you a better idea of the power you wield. In order to both analyze what you discover and maximize your interactions with your team, consider one-on-one coaching options that will help you build leadership skills that last a lifetime.