A group of agency owners recently told me their most significant obstacle to having more “best days” was simply too many meetings. They felt overwhelmed, with no time to process one conversation before diving into the next. While scheduling adjustments can help, the real solution lies in fundamentally shifting how you are being in those meetings by embracing the power of presence.

What does “presence” look like in leadership?

• Active Listening: Listening without judging or interrupting so people can complete their thoughts. Loop for understanding and acknowledging the emotions behind the words.
• Undivided Attention: Put away your phone, close any distractions on your screen, and focus solely on the person in front of you. When we give someone our full attention, we can get to the bottom of things more easily.
• Human Connection: Asking about the person, not just the problem, and showing genuine interest in their perspective and well-being. That connection creates safety and creates room for more candor.
• Thoughtful Delegation: Ensuring team members have the resources, support, and clarity they need to succeed so they feel empowered and not dumped on.
• Proactive Check-ins: Offering support and guidance before problems escalate, fostering a culture of open communication.

That sounds like a lot of work!

You might think, “But I don’t have time for all that!” The irony is, investing in presence saves you time in the long run. By taking the time to truly understand a problem upfront, you avoid multiple rounds of revisions and rework. Building trust through connection fosters a culture where issues surface before crises occur. Investing in your team’s well-being reduces burnout and turnover, saving significant costs associated with recruitment and training.

Further, when changes come up or the situation changes, your team is more likely to handle things without escalation because they have confidence that you’ve heard them and can rely on the trust you’ve built with them.

Building your leadership capacity

Practicing presence isn’t just a time-saving strategy; it’s a tool for building your leadership. It requires vulnerability – being willing to set aside your own agenda and truly see the other person’s perspective. It’s a form of inner growth – demanding self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to be fully present in the moment. And it creates a human-centered workplace where relationships thrive, leading to greater collaboration, innovation, and engagement.

In a world obsessed with speed, choosing presence is a radical act.

If you are ready to reclaim your time and build a stronger team, choose one meeting this week where you will intentionally practice being more present. Eliminate distractions. Listen deeply without interrupting. Ask questions.

How did it impact the conversation and the quality of the outcome? Hit reply and let me know. I can’t wait to hear about it.