Sometimes Your Presence Is the Problem

"Being present" isn't always a sign of a good leader.

Sometimes your presence is actually the problem.

What I Started Noticing in the Room

I've joined a team meeting and seen the people who'd been leading the conversation five minutes earlier suddenly defer. They looked at me before answering questions or waited for my reaction before deciding if something was good.

They weren't doing it on purpose. Sometimes perceived hierarchy just affects a room.

The Uncomfortable Move

So I started doing something uncomfortable: I stopped going to every meeting.

Especially the ones where my presence was quietly getting in the way of someone else learning to lead.

What You Find Out When You Leave

Your team is more capable than they look when you're in the room. Remove yourself and you'll find out fast what they're capable of.

So yes, good leaders show up. They also know when NOT to show up.