Walking into a meeting, my head is caught in a web of worries – we missed our sales target, I’m disappointed with the lead generation, and several projects are running behind. My irritation flares as the agenda items feel irrelevant to my immediate concerns, and soon, the meeting descends into unproductive conflict.

On a different day, I walk into the same meeting. Despite my own challenges–a critical client project is at risk–I am present, leaving my worries aside for the time being. I listen intently, respond thoughtfully, and offer clear direction. Instead of a time-wasting session, the meeting becomes focused and purposeful.

The only difference? My presence.

What is presence?

Presence begins internally. It’s about consciously directing focus to the present moment, setting aside the distractions of past regrets or future anxieties. When we achieve this internal focus, we unlock our full capacity to truly listen – not just to the words being spoken, but also to the unspoken cues: body language, tone, and the underlying emotions in the room.

For a leader, this internal grounding translates directly into more effective leadership. When you’re truly present, you’re less likely to react emotionally to perceived slights or get sidetracked by your own internal noise. You can better understand your team’s concerns, offer insightful guidance, and foster a more collaborative environment. This focused attention also extends to client interactions, allowing you to hear their needs and build stronger, more trusting relationships.

Think about how much mental clutter we carry as leaders. It might be lingering frustrations from a team disagreement, anxieties about an upcoming client presentation, or a mental to-do list swirling in the background. In meetings or conversations, these internal distractions pull our attention away from what’s actually happening. We might be half-listening while mentally drafting an email or judging the speaker’s delivery instead of absorbing their message.

This divided attention leaves us vulnerable. When a new idea or challenge arises, our already overloaded mental capacity can lead to emotional reactions rather than thoughtful responses.

However, when we actively cultivate presence – focusing on the single thread of the current conversation and engaging all our senses – we become grounded. For a leader, this mental clarity translates into better decision-making under pressure. You’re less likely to be swayed by fleeting emotions or get derailed by unexpected information. This groundedness also builds resilience, allowing you to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of leading a business with more stability and a clearer perspective.

Our presence shapes our reality

When I consistently find myself frustrated by unproductive meetings, disengaged team members, or challenging client interactions, shifting my own presence is a powerful first step. It’s about stepping out of the internal noise and fully engaging with the here and now.

Cultivating presence isn’t always easy; it requires ongoing awareness and practice. It’s a journey of inner work that yields significant external results – productivity, engagement, and a greater sense of control and impact as a leader.

If you’re curious to explore how deepening your presence, alongside other crucial inner work, can transform your agency from the inside out, I invite you to learn more about the ‘Transform Your Agency From The Inside Out’ cohort. It’s a space where we delve into these practices and build the capacity for sustainable growth and leadership that truly aligns with your values and aspirations.