I Don’t Have to Be There to Lead. (#246)
The Confident Leader
BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Last week, a leader told me, “I haven’t been in the office in weeks—and honestly, I don’t miss it.” Fair. But then he paused. “I think my team might.”
The question isn’t whether leaders can work flexibly. It’s whether their absence is creating a leadership void.
“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” – John Wooden
This Week’s Edition
Does physical presence still matter for leaders? According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, 49% of managers say they struggle to trust their employees are productive when working remotely.
Clarify Your Thinking
Leadership used to be loud—corner offices, team huddles, and desk drive-bys. Now? It’s muted. And for some leaders, that’s a relief. Remote flexibility allows for deep work, fewer distractions, and fewer random drop-ins.
But there’s a downside. One of my clients, a division VP, realized he hadn’t had a face-to-face (virtual or in-person) with his direct reports in over two weeks. “I figured if they needed me, they’d reach out.”
The problem? They didn’t. They assumed he was too busy. That silence, over time, created distance—and not just physical. Decisions slowed. Small issues festered. His once-engaged team drifted into autopilot.
This is the new challenge: can you still be visible if you’re not in the room?
I think the answer is yes—but only if you’re intentional.
Think of yourself as a lighthouse. Your role isn’t to hover over every ship in the sea—but to be visible, consistent, and steady. The team needs to know where you are—and that you’re there. Otherwise, in stormy waters, they’ll look around and wonder, “Who’s guiding this ship?”
Leaders don’t need to be everywhere, every day. But they do need to be seen. Not just available—but present.
Because the absence of presence is not neutrality—it’s misdirection.
Old Thinking:
If I’m delivering results, why does it matter whether I’m around? My team is smart—they’ll speak up if they need something. I don’t want to micromanage or waste time with unnecessary check-ins. Isn’t that the point of autonomy?
New Thinking:
Results matter, but so does presence. My team may not say they need me, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel the absence. Leadership isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about being a steady, visible force that keeps everyone aligned, motivated, and moving in the right direction.
Thoughts Lead to Actions
Here’s the thinking trap: “They’ll reach out if they need me.” But high performers rarely do. They problem-solve. They stay silent. And slowly, they disengage.
We have to reframe what presence looks like. It’s not about being in a chair—it’s about being a signal. A steady, intentional presence that builds confidence, trust, and alignment.
If your influence has gone quiet, don’t panic. Just reset. Here’s how:
- Signal Availability, Not Surveillance
Let your team know how and when to reach you—and that you want to hear from them. Just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean everything’s fine.
- Create a Presence Rhythm
Establish visible touchpoints: regular 1-on-1s, monthly in-person days, or even spontaneous team calls. Predictability matters more than frequency.
- Be High-Impact When You Show Up
Don’t just check in—add value. Ask deeper questions, share strategic vision, or remove barriers. Make every interaction count.
The best leaders don’t demand attention—they earn it through consistent presence. You don’t need to micromanage. But you do need to shine your light.
Your team isn’t asking you to be everywhere. They’re just asking not to feel alone in the dark.
Boost Your Performance
What’s Your Opinion?
How do you stay visibly engaged with your team without being in the same room? Share it with me at robin.pou@robinpou.com.
If you are going to be a leader, you might as well be a good one. Don’t let doubt count you out. Have a confident week!
Robin Pou, Chief Advisor and Strategist
We live to make bad leadership extinct so forward this newsletter to others who strive to be confident leaders.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE CONFIDENT LEADER
Let’s Connect
Follow me on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.
What is “The Confident Leader”?
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I began a video series called “Panic or Plan?” It was designed to equip leaders to navigate the doubt they experienced and to rise in the confidence they needed to lead during turbulent times. It took off. I then started this newsletter to equip leaders in the same fashion each week for the doubt that crashes across the bow of their leaderSHIP.
