Effective leadership is often perceived as a collection of skills and qualities necessary for guiding a team or organization toward success. However, my personal experiences have enlightened me that the most crucial aspect of effective leadership is something much more straightforward yet frequently overlooked: showing up.
Showing up goes beyond physical presence; it encompasses emotional and mental investment in the individuals we lead. It entails being there for them, supporting them, and actively engaging with them. In today’s technologically advanced world, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we can lead from a distance. But the truth is, authentic leadership begins with showing up – investing time in people and developing genuine face-to-face connections that foster healthy attitudes towards leadership.
This concept may seem straightforward, but we often need to prioritize others amidst the chaos of world events. While many individuals put others first, availability stands above all other leadership abilities. Availability is more than micromanaging; it is simply about showing up when it matters, when it doesn’t, and during all the moments in between.
When I was promoted to facility manager, I realized my team knew nothing about me. As an outsider taking over a facility that represented a microcosm of the larger organization, I encountered a diverse group of employees. Some were seasoned veterans who had weathered previous changes and knew exactly what to expect at every turn. Others were younger or newer employees who approached everything with fresh excitement.
Stepping into this unfamiliar world was daunting; despite knowing how the business operated and understanding spreadsheet numbers, I was essentially clueless. The ability to anticipate how individuals think, react, or respond to various situations is developed through time and experience—a skill few leaders invest in cultivating.
Availability – that is ultimately what this skill boils down to. It is an art form of being there for people, learning about them, seeing them grow, and experiencing life’s ups and downs together. Attending events, gatherings, celebrations, losses, and victories allows us to be recognized as part of a group and ultimately become better problem-solvers.
As a new commander, I made it a point to attend everything – from crashes to cookouts and even funerals of my team members’ family members that were hours away. I didn’t view it as sacrificing my time; instead, I saw it as investing in my team.
If one desires to be an effective leader, investment is critical. The most valuable investment we can make is availability—being there for people and building a strong team. Being available allows us to truly know our team members while allowing them to know us in return. Building a culture requires repetition—being the one who consistently communicates and lives out that culture.
In my own experience, I have seen how showing up significantly impacts the people I lead. As a manager in a fast-paced corporate environment, I have often caught up in my job’s never-ending demands. However, I have realized that I must make time to show up for my team no matter how busy I am. Whether having regular one-on-one meetings with my employees or organizing team-building activities, I have seen the positive effects of being present and invested in my team’s growth.
One fundamental way showing up has helped me become an effective leader is building trust and fostering open communication. When I show up for my team, it sends a message that I am approachable and value their opinions and ideas. This, in turn, encourages my team members to speak up and share their thoughts without fear of judgment. It creates a safe space for open and honest communication, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making.
Moreover, showing up also allows me to understand my team members’ strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial for effective delegation and task allocation. By being present and observing their work, I can identify and utilize their strengths for the team’s benefit. On the other hand, I can also provide support and guidance in areas where my team members need improvement. This personalized approach to leadership enhances individual growth and contributes to the team’s overall success.
Empathy and emotional intelligence are other aspects of effective leadership that begin with showing up. When physically present with our team, we can pick up on nonverbal cues and better understand their emotions and motivations. This allows us to tailor our leadership style and approach to each team member, making them feel seen, heard, and valued. As a result, the team feels more connected, and their morale and motivation are boosted.
On the other hand, leading from a distance or solely relying on digital communication can create a disconnect between the leader and the team. It can lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and overall disengagement. In today’s remote work environment, it is easy for team members to feel isolated, and it is the leader’s responsibility to bridge that gap by showing up and being physically and emotionally present.
Another powerful example of the impact of showing up on leadership is the story of Abraham Lincoln. During the Civil War, Lincoln often visited the battlefields to meet and talk to his soldiers. His visits were not just a symbolic gesture; he genuinely wanted to understand the soldiers’ experiences and struggles. This boosted the soldiers’ morale, as they felt their leader cared about them and their well-being. Lincoln’s actions show that effective leadership is not just about giving orders and making decisions but also about connecting with the people you lead and showing them that you have their best interests at heart.
Effective leadership begins with showing up. By investing time in people, face to face, leaders can build trust, foster open communication, understand their team member’s strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence. It is easy to get caught up in the demands of a busy schedule or rely on technology for communication. Still, the true essence of leadership lies in being physically and emotionally present for the people we lead. As leaders, we must remember that our success is intertwined with our team’s success, and the only way to achieve that is by showing up – for our team, our organization, and ourselves.