The higher you go, the harder it gets to step away.
For many senior leaders, being visible feels like a non-negotiable. Every meeting. Every email. Every crisis call.
The message is subtle but constant: If you’re not “on,” you’re falling behind.
Board members want quick updates. Teams expect instant decisions. Clients expect you to be available across time zones.
The pressure isn’t just about workload. It’s about perception. If I’m not always present, will people think I’ve lost interest? Will they question my commitment?
Here’s what I’ve learned over three decades of navigating this:
1. Strategic absence builds trust: Being everywhere dilutes your impact. Being intentional about when and where you show up sends a signal: when I’m here, it matters.
2. Downtime is a leadership asset: You cannot think clearly, spot risks, or make bold moves when your mind is in constant reactive mode. The best decisions I’ve made came after time away from the noise.
3. Visibility ≠ effectiveness: Your value is in the quality of your contribution, not the number of hours you are “seen.”
If your leadership is only felt when you’re physically present, it’s not leadership,it’s supervision.
The real measure is whether your team can thrive without you in the room.
Before you go, ask yourself:
Do I control my calendar, or does it control me?
When was the last time I took a real break without checking in?
Am I confusing activity with impact?
The best leaders I know aren’t always on. They’re just always in tune.