This study explores the crossover mechanisms of emotions and experiences between leaders and followers, with particular focus on how gender shapes these dynamics within leader–follower pairs. Drawing on Westman’s (2001) crossover model, we conducted an exploratory vignette study with 190 working professionals and MBA students. Through qualitative analysis of participants’ responses to scenarios depicting positive and negative leader–follower interactions, we found support for all three of Westman’s (2001) proposed crossover mechanisms, with indirect crossover emerging as the dominant pathway. The study revealed multiple indirect crossover mechanisms, including general affect and discrete emotions, perceptions of leader support, and work attitudes. Gender differences were observed, with female dyads showing stronger responses to positive scenarios and male dyads demonstrating slightly more intense reactions to negative scenarios. The findings contribute to crossover and leadership theory by illuminating how leader influence operates through the transmission of emotions and experiences beyond traditional behavioral mechanisms. Our results suggest that organizations should expand leadership development programs to include awareness and management of emotional crossover processes, while accounting for gender-specific dynamics. The study provides a foundation for future research on gender dynamics and boundary conditions in leader–follower crossover processes.