Entrainment, Part Two: The Emotional Energy of Leadership

In Part One, we explored entrainment through the lens of Integral leadership and how

leaders can create harmony in organizations by aligning values, vision, and presence.

But entrainment is not only about shared purpose—it’s also about emotional energy.

Kelly and Barsade (2001) describe entrainment as people adjusting their

behavior—often without conscious awareness—to coordinate or synchronize with

another person. This is, perhaps, the closest definition to what we call chemistry in

leadership and coaching. It’s that effortless flow when two people are “in tune,”

responding to one another almost instinctively.

Goss (2007) takes this further through Ritual Chain Theory, which suggests that people

are either attracted or repelled by the emotional energy of others. This emotional energy

sets the tone—and the level—of entrainment that takes place. High emotional energy

can draw people in, creating momentum and cohesion. Low or negative energy can

fragment a group and stall progress.

Disposition Matters—But Emotions Move People

The research also highlights dispositional effects: our predisposition toward the

world—optimistic or pessimistic—strongly influences our behavior in groups. However,

emotions often have more power than disposition or mood when it comes to shifting

beliefs. In other words, even a naturally positive or negative person can be influenced

by the emotional energy in the room.

For leaders, this is critical. The emotional “signal” you send out—whether intentional or

not—can either elevate your team’s rhythm or throw it out of sync. And because

entrainment happens at a subconscious level, your presence is shaping the room long

before you speak.

Coaching

In a one-on-one coaching relationship, entrainment can create synchronicity and mutual

respect. This deep resonance supports effective coaching:

• Goal Setting & Achievement – SLT builds self-motivation and maximizes

potential for both the individual and the organization.

• Feedback – In entrainment, feedback happens through resonance and dialogue,

making it more impactful and less defensive.

• Reflection & Learning – SLT aligns with inner life practices, using mindfulness

and spiritual values to deepen insight.

• Continuous Improvement & Transformation – Organizational mission and

entrainment keep growth sustainable and connected to purpose.

Chemistry as an Emotional, Spiritual, and Consciousness Phenomenon

When you view chemistry through this lens, it’s not just about compatibility or shared

interests—it’s the result of emotional energy, spiritual connection, and conscious

presence aligning in real time. Entrainment is what bridges the leader’s inner life with

the collective heartbeat of the group.

As leaders, when we tune ourselves emotionally and spiritually, we set the conditions

for others to resonate with us. That resonance isn’t just felt—it’s acted upon. And when

it happens, it can transform not just a meeting or a moment, but the culture of an entire

organization.