When decisions are fast, stakes are high, and consequences are real, leaders make a familiar move.

They tighten control. They narrow voices. They prioritise speed over conversation.

And they quietly drop inclusion.

Not because they don’t believe in it but because inclusion feels too soft for hard moments.

That’s the mistake. And the 2025 research is unambiguous about it.

For years, people have told me some version of the same thing: “You have good energy.” “I feel energized after we meet.” “Your energy on stage is contagious.”

I always smiled, said thanks, and moved on.

I didn’t really know what they meant.

This year’s research changed that.