Why being present is now a leadership superpower

You’re in a meeting. You’re nodding along. You’re also reading emails and checking your phone.

Sound familiar?

That’s distracted listening—and it’s more dangerous than most people think.

Why It Hurts More Than It Looks

• People feel unseen

• Nuance is missed

• Trust erodes over time

Especially in remote or hybrid work, distracted listening has become the norm. That doesn’t make it okay.

What I Try to Practice Instead

1. Eliminate visual clutter
   Close tabs. Turn off notifications. Put your phone face down.

2. Make eye contact
   It helps anchor you in the moment and signals presence.

3. Set a silent intention
   Ask: Why does this conversation matter?

4. Let silence breathe
   Don’t rush to fill every pause. Meaning sits in the gaps.

5. Take short notes
   Write what matters, not just what’s said.

Final Thought

Your presence is more powerful than your plan.
If you're not truly listening, you're not truly leading.