A leader is part of the conditions other people are responding to.

A question can leave more room for curiosity. A response can influence whether someone continues thinking out loud or starts editing what they say next.

A pause can leave room for another perspective. The way disagreement is received can influence whether another disagreement is voiced later.

Often, the effect isn't announced. It shows up in what happens next.

Who keeps talking. Who becomes more careful. Which questions still get asked. Which ideas make it into the conversation.

Every leader influences the conditions around them. Those conditions influence what becomes available in other people.