We all want to believe that good intentions make good leaders. And intention does matter—it’s where leadership begins. In our Heart of a Leader module, we focus on leading from a place of care, connection, and integrity. But intention alone doesn’t always shape the experience others have of us. That’s where the gap begins—the space between what we meant and what actually happened. That’s the intention–behavior gap, and we’ve all felt it on both sides.
Research by Rhodes, Pfaeffli Dale, and Mansell explores this very gap, showing that the strength of an intention plays a key role. Strong intentions are more likely to predict consistent behavior, and they tend to hold steady over time. But they also come with a risk: when an intention becomes too rigid, it can close us off to feedback or new perspectives. A leader may be so focused on achieving a goal that they stop noticing how their behavior is landing—or whether it still reflects their original values.
That’s why, in the Heart module, we teach leaders to pay attention to their signals—tone, posture, word choice, and energy. These are the silent messengers that often speak louder than our intentions. You may want to support your team, but if your voice is tense or your body language feels rushed, your intention won’t come through. This is where the Signal Check tool comes in. It’s a simple pause to ask, “What do I want people to feel right now, and does my presence reflect that?”
Another key strategy is using Intention to Impact thinking. Instead of just setting a goal, we encourage leaders to ask: What experience do I want others to have? This kind of reflection helps shift the focus from task to relationship, from outcome to impact. When we connect our intentions to how others feel and perform, our leadership becomes more human—and more effective.
And of course, none of us will get it right all the time. We will miss the mark. What matters most is noticing when our signals don’t align with our purpose and choosing to realign with intention. That choice, made moment by moment, is where trust is built and credibility is earned. Leaders who regularly reflect, adjust, and lead with heart make it easier for their teams to do the same.
Bridging the intention–behavior gap takes more than good ideas—it takes awareness and practice. But when leaders are willing to pause, reflect, and stay grounded in what truly matters, their actions begin to match their values. And that’s when leadership becomes transformational—not just for the leader, but for everyone they influence.
By Michelle Cummings
Founder, CEO & Chief Creative Officer
Personify Leadership
Trust is the foundation of leadership—but it’s tested most when pressure is high. In the Heart of a Leader module from the Personify Leadership Core Program, leaders are taught to lead with clear intention: to act in the best interest of others and stay aligned with their values. Authenticity is not just about being “real”—it’s about showing up in a way that reflects who you are and what you stand for, even in difficult moments.
When stress rises and uncertainty creeps in, teams begin to look to their leader for cues. This is when trust is either reinforced or quietly eroded. The Heart Module challenges leaders to ask, “What signals am I sending?”—through tone, posture, presence, and action. If those signals match a leader’s stated intention, it builds stability and confidence. If they don’t, even small gaps in behavior can shake a team’s sense of safety.
Leaders who are aware of their signals and take time to reflect before acting are more likely to stay in alignment. When team members feel that their leader is grounded, honest, and consistent—even in high-stakes moments—they feel safer, more motivated, and more willing to speak up. That emotional safety is key to team engagement and performance. As the module teaches: people don’t just hear your intention—they feel it.
Of course, no leader gets it right every time. When trust is strained, it doesn’t have to stay broken. Leaders have many opportunities for making things right—starting with listening fully, owning the impact, and clarifying your true intention. Leaders who take responsibility and follow through with consistent actions don’t just repair relationships—they deepen them.
In times of pressure, your authenticity becomes your greatest tool. Teams thrive when they can trust that their leader’s values won’t disappear under stress. Leading with intention, acting with integrity, and staying present in the hard moments—that’s how authentic leaders build lasting trust.
~Michelle Cummings
Founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer
Personify Leadership
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Tag: Leadership Signals
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