Western culture values people who’ve worked their way up from the bottom, whose success is built on hard work, long hours, and deep tactical understanding and expertise.
Unfortunately, however, all of this focus on working hard and getting things done can get in the way when leaders have to make the transition from a tactical role to a more strategic one. When the scale of the business that you must direct becomes so large that you have several tiers of the organization reporting up to you, “getting things done” has to mean getting them done through other people. Continuing to emphasize tactical accomplishments may be reassuring that you are “providing value,” but it also keeps you from being able to act as a leader.
A leader’s presence and functioning are far more critical than merely working hard or putting in longer hours. This concept means doing the right things, not just “a lot.” I offer here an exploration of this idea’s implications for leadership.
Understanding Leader’s Presence and Functioning
Presence: Being fully present means engaging with the team and tasks with clarity, focus, and authenticity. It involves demonstrating confidence and full commitment in every interaction, inspiring the team through genuine interest and leadership.
Functioning: Effective functioning prioritizes strategic decisions and impactful actions. It focuses on empowering the team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring personal well-being to maintain long-term effectiveness. This also involves resisting the pull into the dark side of power dynamics, assuming positive intentions, managing one’s own anxiety through conflict, and maintaining connections even in difficult relationships.
Actionable Steps for Leaders
- Set Clear Intentions: Define what (1) being fully present and (2) functioning effectively looks like for you as a leader. Establish clear goals and intentions that align with your values and vision.
- Prioritize Impactful Actions: Focus on high-leverage activities that drive significant results. Identify actions that have the most substantial impact on the team and organization, and prioritize these over less critical tasks.
- Empower Your Team: Encourage team members to take ownership and contribute their insights. Fostering a collaborative and innovative environment enhances overall effectiveness and drives collective success.
- Maintain Balance: Regularly assess your work-life balance and make necessary adjustments. Ensure that you allocate time for personal well-being to sustain high levels of presence and functioning.
Reflective Questions for Leaders
- How can you embody full commitment in your daily leadership practices?
- What high-impact actions can you prioritize to enhance your effectiveness as a leader?
- How can you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within your team?
- What strategies can you implement to maintain a healthy work-life balance while leading effectively?
Bottom Line
The insight that a leader’s presence and functioning outweigh simply working hard is a transformative realization for effective leadership. By focusing on quality engagement, impactful actions, and maintaining a healthy balance, leaders can inspire their teams, drive significant results, and sustain long-term success. Embracing this approach ensures that leadership is not just about doing more but about being more—more present, more intentional, and more effective.
