Being a leader isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about actually showing up and paying attention. Here’s how to do it more often and why it matters.
Why Presence Matters in Leadership
Your team doesn’t just need you sitting there; they need you to be engaged, paying attention, and bringing your energy to the moment. That means in person, on the phone, or even in a virtual meeting. When you’re really paying attention, you take so much more away from each interaction with your team. You have more information to make better decisions, you build stronger relationships with each team member, and you start to create a work environment where people feel valued and heard.
Sounds great, right? But distractions, stress, and the pull of multitasking often get in the way.
Being present is about sharpening your focus with others in your leadership so you lead with more confidence. The good news? You don’t need hours of meditation to make this happen. A few simple mindset shifts can help you stay in the moment and lead with clarity.
Mindset Hacks to Stay Present
- Reframe Multitasking as a Distraction
People think multitasking is a skill, but really, it just splits your focus and makes you less effective. If you’re answering emails during a meeting or thinking about your next task while someone is speaking, you’re not truly present or engaged.
Clear Move: The next time you’re in a conversation, focus only on the person speaking. Notice their tone, facial expressions, and the words they use, almost as if you were going to be taking notes to capture the information. This level of attention strengthens your leadership presence instantly.
- Use the 5-Second Reset
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a quick pause before jumping into a meeting or conversation.
Clear Move: Take a deep breath in for five seconds, hold it for five, then exhale for five. Repeat three times. The focus on breathing slows your thoughts and brings you into the present moment, making you more engaged and intentional.
- Set Your ‘Presence Intention’ for the Day
Being intentional about staying present is just like setting goals—it makes it easier to actually do it.
Clear Move: Each morning, ask yourself, Where do I need to be fully present today? Find your opportunity to start practicing this, whether it’s a team meeting, a one-on-one, or a brainstorming session. When you decide in advance, it helps you stay fully present when it matters most.
- Watch Your Words—They’re Running the Show
There is a quote; “In words there is life, and in words there is death.” Sounds ominous, right? But the way you talk to yourself matters. If you tell yourself, I don’t have time for this conversation, your brain will look for ways to check out. Instead, shift your internal dialogue to: This conversation is important, and I choose to be present.
Clear Move: Before stepping into a conversation, say, I am here. I am listening. I am present. This simple affirmation can significantly shift your focus.
Who Can Help?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Sometimes, you need a little outside help. That could be a coach, a mentor, a trusted colleague, or even that one friend who always tells it like it is.
You might also explore Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) or Huna practices. NLP helps you reframe negative thoughts, improve communication, and develop habits that keep you focused and engaged. Huna, rooted in Hawaiian wisdom, offers techniques like breathwork and visualization to cultivate clarity and presence. Both approaches give you practical tools to manage stress, refocus quickly, and stay fully present in your leadership. You can find more information about the groups I have studied with at the links below.
How to Implement Presence Into Your Leadership
Start with one meeting per day. No, I don’t mean to have only one meeting per day – you wish, right? Instead, it’s you choosing one meeting or conversation where you commit to being 100% present.
Remove distractions. Set yourself up for success, and put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs, and silence notifications. You can even use a conference room or come out from behind your desk and sit in another chair or at a table.
Listen to understand, not respond. Instead of thinking about what to say next, focus on what’s being said.
Use physical cues. Plant your feet firmly on the ground, straighten your posture, and maintain eye contact.
Reflect at the end of the day. Ask yourself, Where was I fully present today? What worked and what didn’t? Where can I improve tomorrow?
Your Next Clear Move? A 48-Hour Presence Challenge
For the next two days, pick one of these strategies and take Your Next Clear Move toward being fully present. Whether it’s mindful listening, the 5-second reset, or setting an intention, commit to showing up fully.
Presence isn’t just about where you are—it’s about how you are. When you master this, your leadership impact will expand in ways you never imagined.
