Some of the most formative years of my career, the ones when I was leading teams and sitting in the meetings that mattered, happened before Slack existed. Our phones could barely handle a text.
I love technology as much as anyone, even at the age I’m pushing. But those years taught me how to be present, and I worry that skill is slowly disappearing. So this one is a reminder for me as much as anyone.
Wherever you are, be all the way there.
When people gather to share what matters, give them your full attention, or there was no reason to gather at all.
When someone sits down with you one on one, let them feel it. Relationships grow where attention is given, and they wither where it is rationed.
There is no status in being too busy to be present. Whatever is pulling at you can wait a little while. The moment in front of you will not come back.
Be gentle with yourself when your mind wanders, because it will. Just keep coming back.
And if where you are isn’t worth your attention, ask the harder question. Maybe you shouldn’t be there at all. Or maybe your priorities have drifted further than you thought.
Be present. People remember who was really with them long after they forget who answered fastest.