Productivity Without Presence

High achievers often get ahead through productivity, but productivity can come at the cost of presence. This article explores how leaders can be more intentional with their time so their people get the attention they need.

Many leaders have gotten to where they are in their careers through persistence, strategic thinking, high productivity, and a drive to keep moving forward. Those are all qualities we can be proud of when we look back at our careers. But another word that may not always describe us is present.

There have been times in my career when my focus was so strongly on moving forward with projects, goals, and my overall career that I stopped being fully present for the team I was supporting.

Answering emails during meetings. Always thinking three steps ahead. Constantly looking for problems to solve or ways to become more efficient.

Does that sound like you?

If it does, you may be someone who has been classified as an overachiever for most of your life, just like me.

Recently, I was attending a seminar when the phrase “productivity without presence” jumped out at me. The phrase immediately resonated with me because it put words to something I have had to be conscious of throughout my career. I pride myself on being productive, on moving forward, on never being late on deadlines, and on thinking three steps ahead.

But do those things really make me a better leader?

They might make me better at certain aspects of leadership. They help me get things done, solve problems, and keep moving forward. Being highly productive can make us effective at getting work done while simultaneously making us less available to the people and moments that actually need us.

When Productivity Without Presence Becomes Autopilot

Sometimes high achievement and productivity become autopilot. When productivity becomes part of how we define success, slowing down can start to feel like we are falling behind.

It can be scary to not have an endless to-do list or a full calendar. For high achievers, that empty space can even make us feel like we aren’t doing enough. But as leaders, some of that empty space is needed. It creates the capacity for innovative thinking, deeper reflection, and the real connections that help build the cultures we want for our organizations.

Productivity asks, “What can I accomplish?” Presence asks, “What needs my attention?”

Productivity asks, “What can I accomplish?” Presence asks, “What needs my attention?”

Those aren’t always the same thing.

Be Intentional With Productivity

Now, don’t take this as a message to send to your boss saying you can’t have to-do lists or meetings anymore. This is a message about being intentional with our productivity.

Are you being productive because these things truly need to be done at this time and in this way? Or are you on autopilot, constantly doing simply because being productive is what you have trained yourself to do?

Intentionality in leadership can make the difference between simply getting the job done and creating a fulfilling leadership experience for you and your team.

Organizations need productive leaders. They need leaders who meet deadlines, solve problems, and move things forward. But our people also need us to be present.

And sometimes the most intentional thing we can do as leaders is stop thinking three steps ahead long enough to fully experience the step we’re on.

Whether you lead in Yuma or anywhere across the country, if you want support moving from productivity without presence to more intentional leadership, I'd love to talk. Schedule a consultation.

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