Abracadabra Leadership: The Power of Feeling Seen & Heard

In leadership, influence isn’t just about strategy, vision, or authority – it’s about trust. And trust is built when people feel seen and heard.

The origins of the word abracadabra hold an intriguing lesson for leaders. Thought to derive from the Aramaic phrase “avra kehdabra”, meaning “I create as I speak”, it reflects a powerful truth: words don’t just communicate; they shape reality.

For senior leaders navigating today’s complex and AI-driven world, the ability to make people feel heard isn’t just a “soft skill” – it’s a strategic advantage.

The Real Magic of Leadership: Creating Through Words

In ancient times, abracadabra was believed to have healing powers. Roman physicians even prescribed it as a written charm to ward off illness. Today, we might not wear words around our necks, but they still hold extraordinary power – especially in leadership.

Consider the best leaders you’ve worked with. They weren’t just skilled decision-makers; they made you feel that your contributions mattered. When people feel heard, valued, and acknowledged, they engage more deeply, trust more fully, and contribute at a higher level. Feeling truly heard evokes deep emotion – it validates our experiences, affirms our worth, and fosters a profound connection between leaders and their teams.

Why Feeling Heard Matters in Leadership

1. 1. Trust and Loyalty – Employees don’t leave companies; they leave environments where they feel invisible. When leaders truly listen, they create an atmosphere of psychological safety, which fosters commitment and trust.
   2. Innovation and Problem-Solving – The best ideas often come from those closest to the problem. If leaders dismiss or fail to acknowledge input, they cut off the very insights that drive progress.
   3. Engagement and Performance – People perform at their best when they feel respected and recognized. A McKinsey study found that employees who feel their voices matter are nearly five times more likely to be engaged at work.

The Generosity Model™: Leadership That Listens and Empowers

As leaders, our words either build connection or create distance. The Generosity Model™ provides a structured way to ensure people feel heard and valued:

1. 1. Activate Your Listening – Deep listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about demonstrating understanding. When employees see that their perspectives influence decisions, they feel truly valued.
   2. Lead with Compassion – Compassionate leadership means acknowledging challenges, validating perspectives, and responding with empathy. This isn’t about being “soft” but about being strategic – people give more when they feel cared for.
   3. Enhance Business Inclusivity – Inclusive leadership goes beyond diversity; it’s about ensuring that all voices contribute to shaping business outcomes. Leaders who create space for differing perspectives gain stronger buy-in and better results.

The Leadership Spell: Creating Cultures of Trust

The words we use as leaders are not just sounds; they are actions. They have the power to motivate or disengage, to empower or undermine. When people feel heard, they contribute their best ideas. When they feel unseen, they disengage – or worse, they leave.

The best leaders today are not just decision-makers; they are trust-builders. And trust, like abracadabra, is created through words and action.

How will you use yours?