“There is no such thing as multitasking.”
Jim Loehr
How often do you honestly give your full attention to the task at hand? Have you ever paused to reflect on how the minor distractions in your day impact the quality of your leadership?
In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to mistake activity for achievement. The constant ping of notifications, the pull to check emails in meetings, and the pressure to be “always on” create a false sense of productivity. But here’s the hard truth: there is no such thing as effective multitasking. And as a leader, our attention—or lack of it—speaks volumes.
I vividly remember a time when I allowed distractions to undermine the message I was trying to convey. I had just purchased my first Apple Watch and thought I had cracked the code for staying connected without being glued to my phone. But this connection came at a cost. In 1:1 meetings, the subtle buzz on my wrist would pull my attention away from the person sitting in front of me. I’d glance at it, often without even realizing I was doing it, and send the unintended message that the meeting, and by extension, the person, wasn’t my priority. I’m sure we have all experienced a similar situation when someone is on their phone in a meeting or looking at their screen during a conversation.
I was incredibly blessed to have a trusted colleague pull me aside and call me out on my behavior. I’ll never forget how he approached me with grace, respect, and a firm conviction: “You’re sending a message you don’t intend to send.” That moment was a humbling reminder of what leadership is truly about. Being fully present is not just a courtesy; it’s a responsibility.
Leaders at the highest level understand that focus is a discipline, and distractions are the enemy of clarity. When we give in to distractions, we fragment our attention, lose our ability to focus intensely, and diminish our effectiveness. Worse, we undermine trust—the moment we let a distraction pull us away from the task or person in front of us, we communicate that something else is more important.
This is not just about managing impressions; it’s about operating with integrity. It’s about aligning your actions with your words. As a leader, your team is constantly watching, and what they see shapes their trust in you. So, ask yourself: when was the last time you were FULLY present, without distractions? And how can you foster that presence every day?
To lead at the highest level, we must cultivate the ability to focus deeply, to be fully present, and to show up with our complete attention. This is incredibly hard, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional practice, clear boundaries, and the humility to recognize when we’re falling short.
One of my favorite books on the topic is “Deep Work” by Cal Newport. I am due to reread it soon, as I can fully admit that this is an area where I need to keep working.
So, here’s the question: Are you leading with undivided attention? Or are you allowing distractions to steal your presence and, with it, your impact?
