How To Get To The Top (Quickly)
The Rare Skill That Changes Everything
We live in a world where almost no one is fully present anymore.
Let me give you two quick examples:
I recently spent the day leading a strategy session with a leadership team. One person was clearly distracted. Now, it’s my job to keep people engaged, but sometimes that’s easier said than done.
The day wrapped up with the team feeling energized and clear on next steps. Or so I thought.
Two weeks later, one of the leaders called me. He’d spent hours recreating templates and org charts we had already built together in that meeting. I had even sent him copies of our work. He didn’t remember any of it.
Another example:
My wife and I went to a concert. At one point, the lead singer stopped the show to ask people to get off their phones. It was awkward and a little sad.
We now live in a world of half-engaged people checking their phones every four minutes. (Literally. That’s the stat.)
So here’s the leadership lesson:
Just being fully present is now a superpower.
And here’s the best part:
You don’t need to be the smartest, loudest, or most polished person in the room.
You just need to be there.
Why Presence Matters in Business and Life
Whether you’re leading a team, raising a kid, or just having lunch with a friend, people can feel it when you’re fully there.
And they can feel it when you’re not.
Presence builds connection.
Connection builds trust.
And trust is the foundation of everything worth building.
So what do you do?
Start small.
At your next meeting or dinner, put your phone away. Like, actually put it away.
Make eye contact.
Ask a real question.
Listen. Not to reply, but to understand.
Don’t worry about being brilliant. Just be there.
You’d be surprised how rare that is and how far it goes.
Final Thought
In business and coaching, we talk a lot about influence, motivation, and results.
But none of that matters if people don’t feel like you’re paying attention.
Presence is rare.
That’s what makes it powerful.
So slow down.
Look people in the eye.
And show up like it matters. Because it does.
Ryan Giles
shoutout to Chad Willardson
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