"Eventually, through all my positions, I realized I was wrong: True leadership meant something else entirely. I saw cultures that thrived, not because of policies or metrics, but because people felt safe. I saw teams that delivered results not just because they had to but because they wanted to. What made the difference? It wasn't the budget, the technology, or the strategy. It was the leader's presence and how they connected with their team."
"The best leaders didn't lead with ego. Instead, the most impactful leaders I worked with made people feel seen. They listened without rushing to respond, paused before speaking, and weren't obsessed with control. They prioritized connection. At that company, I wanted to show up and do my job well. There was unity - not because everyone agreed all the time, but because there was trust. People challenged ideas openly. Mistakes weren't met with shame."
True leadership centers on a leader’s presence and their ability to connect with people. Leaders who slow down, listen without rushing, and remain curious create psychological safety and belonging. Those leaders make employees feel seen, encourage open challenge of ideas, and respond to mistakes without shame. Presence shapes feelings, performance, retention, and whether innovation surfaces or dies. Effective leaders build trust through small, everyday moments: hallway chats, offhand encouragement, and thoughtful pauses before difficult conversations. When problems arise, effective leaders default to curiosity rather than blame. Cultivating presence requires changing how one leads, not merely adding another skill.
Read at Business Insider
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