Before a leader ever casts vision, corrects a mistake, or delivers a speech, something else speaks first: presence. People often decide how they feel about us long before we say a word—through our expression, tone, posture, and the emotional atmosphere we create around us. This week, I was reminded that some of the most influential leaders don’t simply command attention; they make people feel seen, valued, and genuinely welcomed.
I recently attended the funeral service for Bill Donovan, father of Billy Donovan.
Mr. Donovan was a fixture in Gainesville for decades after Billy arrived at the University of Florida. And every time I saw him, it was the same:
His face would light up and he’d say, “Nathan!” — in that unmistakable New York accent I can’t replicate.
It was just… genuine joy.
At the memorial service, story after story echoed the same theme. Just being around him lifted people. His smile didn’t just brighten the moment – it lingered after you left him.
Former baseball player and manager Clint Hurdle talks about leadership this way: you don’t want to be the leader people dread – the one who walks toward them and makes them think, “Oh no.”
You want the opposite reaction.
As leaders, we focus on strategy, culture, accountability, and we should. But before we even get to any of those, people experience something more basic:
Your expression.
Your tone.
Your posture.
Do people tense up when you approach?
Or do they feel seen – and happy to see you?
The remembrances of Mr. Donovan were a reminder: let people see that you’re genuinely glad to see them.
This week, pay attention to your face when someone walks into the room.
Your leadership begins before you realize it.
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