Showing Up for People: An Underestimated Leadership Superpower
You don’t need a PhD in empathy to know this: people remember how you show up more than what you show off.
A Harvard study found that 61% of employees say they’re more productive when their manager simply shows genuine concern for their well-being. That’s right — basic humanity boosts KPIs. This makes hiring the right leaders exponentially important.
Another gem? Gallup data shows that employees who feel supported by leadership are 70% less likely to burn out. A well-timed check-in may just outperform your next big initiative.
As Brené Brown puts it: “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. And the same goes for showing up — authenticity builds trust.”
Showing up can look like:
- Grabbing a $.99 birthday card and inking it on someone’s special day
- Asking “How are you, really?” and waiting for the answer
- Advocating for someone in a meeting when they’re not in the room
- Pivoting the agenda for a meeting when it’s clear a team or
It’s not soft. It’s not extra. It’s leadership in motion.
In a world that automates everything, don’t forget: presence is powerful.
Laura Pickett, MHA, CPXP, is the Founder and Principal of Thrive Lab. With two decades of leadership experience across healthcare, philanthropy, and professional sports, she partners with executives and teams to bring clarity to complexity, strengthen culture, and accelerate meaningful progress. Known for blending strategic vision with a roll-up-your-sleeves approach, Laura helps organizations align around what matters most and move with purpose.
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