The Power of Signals
The power of signals
by Damian Murphy
Over the past four weeks, I've been lucky to support some incredible clients on their leadership development journeys — smart, passionate leaders who find themselves caught in mind traps and relationship dramas, driven by conflicting priorities, unmanageable pressures, and a perceived lack of trust.
And something kept surfacing: signals.
As leaders, we move at such speed that we miss the smallest things — the very things that could cause more harm than good. A great example? Paying attention to tone, not just the words we use. Research backs this up: 55% of communication is nonverbal, yet most leaders focus almost exclusively on the words they choose.
If we want to stay relevant in a world increasingly shaped by AI and robotics, perhaps we need to focus on adjusting, repositioning, extending, or even repairing our own antenna for human connection — creating space to receive signals, not just send them.
Science suggests this matters more than we think. A 50-year analysis of leadership communication research found that leaders' communication behaviours send powerful signals that shape culture, strategic decisions, and performance — often far beyond what leaders consciously intend. An EY survey of over 1,000 workers found that mutual empathy between leaders and employees drives creativity, job satisfaction, and even company revenue.
I often remind leaders: we influence others directly and indirectly, intentionally and unintentionally, positively and negatively. Imagine what's possible if we invested time in developing that human antenna — shifting our energy inward, toward sensing and feeling rather than just thinking and doing. Research on mindfulness in leadership shows that leaders who are present and attuned signal humility and openness — and that this has a measurable impact on their teams.
The opportunity ahead is significant. To create space for deeper connection. And that fills me with genuine hope and optimism — in a world of mixed messaging and poor communication, that matters.
