The Power of Presence in One-on-One Meetings
Have you ever found yourself in a one-to-one meeting where it feels like the other person’s mind is off elsewhere? Or perhaps you’ve been the one juggling different tasks, lost in a sea of tabs, unable to provide your undivided attention. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
‘Presence’ — it’s a term we often hear but might not fully understand. Ask a psychotherapist or a coach, and they’ll tell you presence is about being wholly there, mentally and emotionally. It’s about establishing a genuine connection, understanding, and empathising with the person across from you.
This concept isn’t confined to therapy rooms — it’s critical for every interaction, particularly one-on-one meetings at work. But let’s be candid, maintaining complete presence amidst multiple video calls and tasks can be a real challenge. I know this first-hand.
One crucial element of intentional leadership is consciously choosing to be present, offering the person you’re with your complete attention, no matter how packed your schedule is or the medium through which you’re communicating.
🧠 That leads me to my foremost tip for leaders and managers. Just before any meeting, especially a one-to-one, remind yourself why you’re there. Connect with your intention and reflect on the potential significance this meeting might have for the other person.
💻 Minimising distractions and practising active listening are also key. Ensure a clear desk, switch off notifications, and close any non-essential tabs.
👂 When I say active listening, I refer to what is often called Level 2 listening. This involves not just hearing the words, but understanding the intent behind them, acknowledging emotions, and being receptive to the non-verbal cues.
Now, why does all this matter? When we fail to be fully present, we unintentionally send the message that the other person isn’t worth our time. This can damage relationships, erode trust, and hamper productivity. You don’t want to be that manager!
So, let’s make a concerted effort to be truly present in our interactions. After all, how we show up for others significantly influences how they perceive us.
Have you ever felt overlooked because the other person wasn’t fully present? Or have you found yourself being the one who’s distracted? What are your strategies to stay fully present?
