Your presence speaks louder than your strategy.
That’s a bold statement to make, don’t you think? I believe this is true, especially in our digital and fast-paced world where hybrid fatigue and transactional relationships are on the rise. People want leaders who not just know what to do, but more importantly are able to communicate and connect with people.
Leaders who are fully present are rare these days.
There are leaders who are in a zoom meeting while typing an email. Or one who’s in a conversation, but is thinking about the executive report he needs to prepare.
What does it mean to be truly and fully present?
I typed this question in google, and I got this response from AI.
To be fully present means to be completely aware and engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction.
Simply put, I like to describe this as being fully here, right now, in mind, body and spirit.
Why do leaders need to be present?
Presence Builds Psychological Safety
Imagine sharing a suggestion during a team meeting. As you begin to speak, your leader looks at her laptop, seemingly drawn to an incoming email or message. How does this make you feel?
When leaders are fully present, the team feels seen, heard and safe, thus making it easier to share ideas, speak up and take risks. According to Amy Edmonson’s research, teams with high psychological safety innovate more and perform better.
Actionable Tips
- Put your phone away during meetings (group or 1:1)
- Pause before each interaction to help you transition and focus
- Ask more open-ended questions, and actually listen. Don’t think ahead of what you’ll say next!
Presence Sparks Creativity
Neuroscience shows that alpha brain waves increase when people are in a state of related wakefulness. These brainwaves are commonly associated with better wellbeing and increased creativity.
Good healthy alpha production promotes mental resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally coordinate, enhances overall sense of relaxation and fatigue. In this state you can move quickly and efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand. – Source: NeuroHealth
Though this might be commonly associated with having your eyes closed such as during meditation or when you’re about to sleep, feeling safe and relaxed in the presence of others (boss, included) can also help increase this brain activity.
Actionable tips:
- Begin meetings with a brief pause or check-in.
- Resist the urge to fill silences. Learn to be comfortable with silence.
- Self-check and notice when you’re rushing. Ask: “Is this urgent, or am I uncomfortable with stillness?”
Presence Deepens Connection
Do you really feel connected with the people you work with?
With the increased focus on productivity, conversations these days seem to be more transactional than relational. How’s the project going? When are we meeting next? I need to consult you about the budget for next quarter.
Gallup’s State of the Workplace Report (2023) shows that only 2 in 10 employees strongly agree that someone at work cares about them as a person. Showing care for your team also includes making them feel that they are valued.
“Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown
Actionable tips:
- Replace the old “How are you?” with specific, thoughtful check-ins like “What’s been energizing lately?”
- In online or hybrid meetings, manage and rotate airtime intentionally. Presence also means making space for all voices, especially the quiet ones.
Lead with presence, not just a plan.
Great leadership isn’t about having the best vision and plans. Great leadership is one that connects, values and empowers.
I’d be happy to help you develop better leaders in your teams.
No Special tools needed. You can start today, and do it consistently to make a difference. Coach Kurly de Guzman is a Career and Leadership Coach and one of a LinkedIn’s Top Voice based in the Philippines. She continuously seeks ways to help coaches, leaders and teams thrive through her newsletter, leadership and career development workshops as well as group and 1:1 coaching session for clients.
To work with Kurly, send an email to hello@kurlydeguzman.com or book an exploratory call to discuss your organization’s needs here
