by Michelle Cummings

We often think of leadership as something we say or do. But some of our strongest signals come not from our words – but from our presence. The way we carry ourselves in moments of stress, transition, or pressure has ripple effects on everyone around us. That’s where mirror neurons come in.

Mirror neurons are a part of the brain that help us sense and mirror the emotions, behaviors, and intentions of others. They are why yawns are contagious and why a team can feel tense when a leader walks into the room with tight shoulders and a clenched jaw. Our brains are wired to sync. This has huge implications for leadership.