Presence is becoming rare in a world full of noise, notifications, and never-ending to-do lists. But for leaders, colleagues, friends, and family—it’s more than just a nice gesture.
Presence is respect made visible.
It says: You matter. I’m here. I’m not just hearing your words—I’m honoring your presence.
It’s easy to underestimate this. After all, “being there” can sound passive. But true presence is anything but passive. It’s an active choice. And one of the most powerful forms of respect we can offer.
Why presence matters
We all know the difference between someone who’s technically in the room—and someone who’s with us.
Think about the last time someone gave you their full, undivided attention:
- No phone in hand
- No eyes darting to the clock
- No waiting to interrupt
They just listened. Fully.
What did that feel like?
For most of us, it feels grounding. Validating. Human.
That’s because presence communicates something deeper than words ever could:
“I see you. I value you. I’m not rushing you or fixing you. I’m with you.”
In leadership, in friendship, in parenting—in any relationship—this kind of presence is magnetic. It builds trust. It deepens connection. It fosters loyalty and care.
The cost of absence
When presence is missing, people notice.
We may not say it aloud, but the absence of attention sends a silent message:
- “You’re not a priority.”
- “I’m too busy for this.”
- “You’re interrupting something more important.”
And over time, that message creates distance. It breeds disconnection, disengagement, and mistrust.
People don’t need constant attention. But they do need moments of full attention—especially in key conversations, moments of vulnerability, or when navigating conflict.
Presence doesn’t need to be long—but it does need to be real.
Presence in leadership
As a leader, your presence sets the tone.
If you walk into a meeting distracted, your team will feel it—even if you’re technically “there.” If you nod without really listening, they’ll stop bringing their best ideas.
But when you lead with presence?
- People feel safe enough to speak honestly
- Creative thinking increases
- Problems are surfaced earlier
- Trust grows
Presence is one of the most underrated tools in any leader’s toolkit. It requires no budget. Just intention.
And its ROI is enormous.
How to practice presence
Presence isn’t about perfection—it’s about attention.
Here are a few simple ways to bring more presence into your daily life:
1. Put the phone down.
It seems obvious, but this one act can dramatically shift the tone of a conversation. Even a phone face-down on the table can signal partial availability. Put it away—just for a few minutes—and let the person in front of you feel like the only one that matters.
2. Start meetings with a pause.
Instead of diving into the agenda, take 60 seconds to breathe, check in, or even ask, “What’s one thing on your mind today?” It grounds the group and sets the tone for deeper engagement.
3. Make eye contact.
Genuine, warm eye contact says: I’m not in a hurry. I’m not somewhere else. I’m here. And in a world dominated by screens, this small gesture holds big weight.
4. Listen without planning your response.
Presence in listening means you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak. You’re absorbing. You’re curious. You’re letting the other person lead the moment.
5. Protect white space in your calendar.
You can’t offer presence if you’re running on fumes. Build in margin so you have the mental and emotional capacity to be present where it matters most.
Presence is a leadership strategy
It’s tempting to believe that performance is all that matters.
But the best leaders know: people won’t remember everything you said—they’ll remember how they felt in your presence.
Did they feel heard?
Did they feel seen?
Did they feel valued?
Presence turns respect from a concept into a lived experience.
The world doesn’t need louder voices. It needs deeper presence.
So the next time someone comes to you with a question, a concern, or a win—pause.
Look up.
Breathe.
And let them feel that you’re truly with them.
Because presence is respect made visible. And that kind of respect has the power to change culture, deepen relationships, and remind people they matter—right here, right now.
DREIESKIVA|Roald Kvam 
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