The Engagement Equation: How Connection Fuels Influence (and Why Most Leaders Miss This)
By Atip Muangsuwan
“Think of engagement as the foundation and influence as the skyscraper—without the first, the second crumbles.”
Atip Muangsuwan
CEO Coach and Coach Supervisor
Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about multipliers. The most effective leaders don’t just execute tasks or dictate strategies; they create impact by engaging first, influencing second.
Here’s the truth: Influence is a byproduct of engagement. You can’t inspire action if you haven’t first built bridges of trust. Think of engagement as the foundation and influence as the skyscraper—without the first, the second crumbles.
Why Engagement Isn’t Optional—It’s Oxygen!
Transactional leaders focus on what needs to get done. Transformational leaders focus on who needs to be seen.
Engagement is the gateway to meaningful leadership. It’s not about small talk or forced camaraderie—it’s about:
✅ Humanizing leadership: A simple “How are you?” that genuinely waits for an answer.
✅ Building psychological safety: Creating spaces where people feel heard, not just managed.
✅ Fueling ownership: Teams invest in leaders who invest in them first.
The cost of skipping engagement?
You become the “boss,” not the leader. Strategies fall flat. Initiatives gather dust. Why? Because people don’t follow plans—they follow people they trust.
The 10 Non-Negotiable Rules of Engagement
Want to influence? Master these principles:
- Authenticity Over Agenda
People sniff out insincerity. Engage because you care, not because you need something.
- Listen Like It’s Your Job
Ask questions. Pause. Let silence linger. Understanding someone’s perspective builds more trust than 100 speeches.
- Consistency > Grand Gestures
A one-off coffee chat is nice. Weekly check-ins? That’s how trust compounds.
- Adapt to Their Language
Some thrive on Slack updates. Others need face-to-face time. Meet people where they are, not where you’re comfortable.
- Lead with Empathy, Not Ego
Acknowledge challenges: “This project has been tough. What’s one thing I can unblock for you?”
- Clarity is Kindness
Simplify your messaging. Confusion erodes connection.
- Be Fully Present
A 5-minute focused conversation > 30 minutes of distracted small talk. Put. The. Phone. Down.
- Celebrate the Micro-Wins
Recognize progress, not just perfection. “I noticed how you handled that client’s concern—well done.”
- Follow Through or Fail
Broken promises destroy trust faster than anything. Do what you say you’ll do.
- Respect Boundaries
Not everyone wants to share. Read the room—and don’t force connection.
Why this works: Engagement isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset of valuing people as humans, not just resources.
From Engagement to Influence—The Ripple Effect
When you engage consistently and authentically, something shifts:
- Trust becomes your currency
- Your vision becomes their mission
- Delegation turns into empowerment (because they want to own the work)
Transactional leaders say, “Do this.”
Transformational leaders ask, “What do you need to thrive?”
The result? A team that doesn’t just execute tasks—they solve problems, innovate, and drive impact because they’re invested.
The Bottom Line
Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating rooms where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Engagement is the spark. Influence is the flame.
Which of these rules will you double down on this week? If you need some leadership support, let’s engage!
About Atip Muangsuwan: Atip Muangsuwan is the Founder & CEO of The Best Coach International Co., Ltd. He is a CEO & UHNWI Coach, Certified Mentor & Supervisor for global executive coaches, Holistic Life Transformation Expert, Business & Life Strategist, and Corporate Facilitator/Trainer. With a proven track record of helping clients achieve their career goals and job promotions, Atip is dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth.