Steve Adubato’s Lessons in Leadership: Engaging Leadership

By Steve Adubato, Phd On Aug 16, 2025

In a special “Leaders in Law” edition of “Steve Adubato’s Lessons in Leadership”, Steve Adubato and Mary Gamba talk with Guillermo Artiles, Government Affairs Chair, McCarter & English, LLP, about the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in law as well as his passion for giving back. Then, in a “Discovery and Innovation” edition, Steve and Mary sit down with Christopher Paladino, President, New Brunswick Development Corporation about the HELIX, how startups and entrepreneurs are impacting New Jersey’s economy, and the importance of partnerships.

---

The word “engaging” is thrown around a lot. But what does it really mean to be an engaging leader and communicator? With all the demands on our schedules, we can easily get caught up in our day-to-day responsibilities and not press pause to see how we are truly engaging and connecting with those around us. Whether you are looking to build a stronger relationship with clients or prospects, or become more in tune with your team, it is essential that you consider how you make other people feel. Sometimes we don’t realize how often we give off negative energy or simply are invisible and unengaged with the people in our orbit.

The most effective leaders are aware of the impact their communication, be it verbal or non-verbal, has on those around them. Consider some tips and tools to becoming a more engaging leader:

• Learn the names of everyone you see regularly. If you work with a small team, this is very easy to do. But if you are in a larger organization with hundreds of employees, be intentional about learning the names of those in your department, in the meetings you attend or those who are working daily to contribute to the success of your team. Externally, this is just as important. It is one thing to know the name of the head of an organization you may be engaging with but also learning the names of other key stakeholders in the relationship, potentially a COO, someone in finance or an executive assistant, sends the message that you care about the relationship at all levels.
• Sit and talk with colleagues at lunch or on break. We are always going a million miles per hour, but how often do we really communicate with those we work with in a more relaxed setting? I’m not talking about a 2-hour lunch or a half-hour coffee break but take the time to get to know the people you work with on a personal level. Ask about their family, their kids, spouse, and their hobbies. This stuff matters. Showing you care and taking an interest will break down barriers and build connections.
• Lend a hand. Reach out and help colleagues who are overwhelmed. Too often, we become isolated in the workplace and figure if we are doing our jobs, everything is fine. But as we all know, that is not how great teams work. If you sense that a colleague is swamped, proactively reach out and say, “Bob, I know you are overwhelmed, let me take that Jones project off your hands.” Bob won’t expect it, but he will appreciate it. It will give him a sense he is not alone and that he is working with people who care.
• Be an active listener. The great leaders pay close attention to what their team members are saying, and ask probing, open-ended questions to show genuine interest in their perspectives. Real, active listening involves being present and in the moment, and pushing aside the mental “to do” list that is always playing in our head. It is about making a conscious effort to let the other person finish their thought without interrupting. This takes practice, but the payoff is huge.
• Have an open-door policy. Encouraging your team members to share their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment goes a long way. Communicate with your team your clear goals and vision, so that each team member knows their role and how it contributes to the larger picture of the organization. Then, reinforce that you want them to share their input and feedback regularly, and then provide positive reinforcement and encouragement along the way.

Related Articles: