You’re in the meeting.
You’re taking notes.
And you’re already thinking about the next thing.
It looks like presence.
But it definitely doesn't feel that way.
I see this often with leaders.
You're physically in the room.
But mentally scattered across competing demands.
And the cost is real.
Diluted focus.
Missed cues.
Never truly being with the people in front of you.
The fix isn’t more effort.
It’s intentional pause.
Small centering practices that bring you fully into the moment before a key meeting, conversation, or decision.
A deep breath.
A quick walk.
Whatever works for you.
Because presence is a leadership choice.
And it’s often the difference between being heard and truly connecting.
