The Power of Presence As A New Manager and Business Leader

The Power of Presence as New Manager and Business Leader

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Presence isn’t just about the big moments — it’s built in the small pauses between them. Mindful transitions allow you to reset, refocus, and lead with clarity.

Gallup (2025) reports that managers account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement—making leadership presence not just impactful, but pivotal. Business Insider backed this by sharing Business Insider managers’ engagement dropping from 30% to 27% and the resulting impact on teams.

Why does presence in leaderhip matter? Presence isn't a soft skill—it’s the backbone of meaningful leadership and something we empower the leaders we work with to develop as Executive Coaches. The more you intentionally show up, connect, and support your team, the stronger employee engagement becomes. What's the impact of a lack in presence in leadership? Presence is directly linked to declines in engagement and in turn has a big economic cost as Forbes explains in  “Investing In Managers Is A $438 Billion Opportunity” article .

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Quote to reflect on: Presence Leadership Quote
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

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Tools for Cultivating Presence As New Manager Or Leader

One of the biggest barriers to true presence is overthinking. Leaders often feel pressured to analyse, rationalize, and “get it right” — which can pull them out of the moment and into their heads.

When you learn to trust your instincts, something powerful happens:

• You become more present in the moment.
  Instead of second-guessing, you listen deeply, sense what’s needed, and respond with clarity.
  
  
• You project confidence and calm.
  Teams can feel when a leader hesitates or doubts themselves. Acting from instinct (informed by experience and values) communicates trustworthiness and stability.
  
  
• You strengthen connection with others.
  Presence is not about controlling the conversation but engaging authentically. Instinct allows you to read the room, pick up on subtle cues, and adapt in real time.
  
  
• You create space for creativity and flow.
  Trusting instinct opens the door to innovation — because you’re not stuck in rigid thinking. It allows for responsiveness, which is a hallmark of great leadership.
  
  

Leadership takeaway: Presence is less about having rehearsed answers and more about being attuned — to yourself, your team, and the moment. Trusting your instincts anchors you in that attunement.

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