“Eric, you missed something important in that meeting,” my trusted colleague said. “People felt like they weren’t being heard.”
That hit hard. And it was true. In my rush to “get things done,” I’d lost sight of what was happening in the moment. I was pushing for outcomes, not leading with presence. And here’s the truth: that’s weak leadership.
Let’s be honest: most of us in leadership are wired for action. We drive results, push for outcomes. But if we’re not careful, that drive can backfire. My colleague nudged me awake to this fact. I was running that meeting with discipline, steering everyone “on track” through an overloaded agenda. I was three steps ahead, crossing off items and chasing the next issue, so when Dan raised a valid concern, I brushed it aside. Why? We were running late, and I didn’t want to lose face or time.
Leading with presence isn’t for the faint-hearted; it requires courage and conscious leadership. It takes guts to fully show up, especially when things get uncomfortable. Conscious leadership means linking the drive for results with the need to truly connect with your team – it’s about combining wisdom with power. Are you bold enough to lead this way?
Presence changes everything
Your presence has weight. Whether you realize it or not, your team feels it. They know when you’re fully engaged, and they can see right through you when you’re simply waiting for them to finish talking so you can move on. That’s the moment when trust is either built – or broken.
When I wasn’t present in that meeting, I sent a clear message: “I don’t care.” That’s a failure in leadership. But presence isn’t about pretending to agree or playing nice; it’s about the courage to notice the energy, the tension, and the unspoken dynamics in the room. It’s about being willing to pause and say, “Let’s dig into this” when your instincts push you to keep things moving.
Conscious leaders are the ones who build trust and alignment by staying present, even when things get tough. They’re unafraid to slow down, ask challenging questions, and tune into what’s simmering beneath the surface.
How to bring presence to your role
- Trim the agenda: A bloated agenda is a fast track to distraction. Keep it lean. Make room for meaningful conversations. Move simple updates to email and set aside time for real connection with your team. Ask about their challenges and perspectives, not just their to-dos.
- Read the room: Watch body language, tone, and energy. Are people tuned out? Are they tense? Notice it. Address it. Memorable meetings balance efficiency with authenticity.
- Lean into the hard conversations: When the temperature rises, don’t sidestep it. Stay calm and create space for the tough discussions you’ve been avoiding. This is where conscious leadership thrives – gently and with purpose.
- Reflect and adjust: After each meeting, ask yourself: What did I miss? Were there signals I overlooked? This self-awareness is essential for conscious leadership.
Ready to lead more consciously?
If you think leadership is just about hitting KPIs and moving fast, you’re overlooking something powerful. Presence is the foundation of conscious leadership, and it’s a game-changer. It builds trust, opens up dialogue, and ultimately fuels the very results you’re driving for.
So, if you’re ready to become the leader your team needs – a leader who’s present, connected, and impactful – let’s connect. Our Leadership Evolution Program and Executive Coaching are crafted to transform how you lead your teams and how your teams drive the organization forward.
Reach out, and let’s embark on the journey to a more conscious, impactful kind of leadership.