Multitasking and constant distractions are all around us, which makes staying present seem like an elusive goal. However, being fully engaged in the moment makes a difference in our lives—both professionally and interpersonally. When we focus our attention on the now, we enhance our relationships, respond to challenges more effectively, and boost overall morale.
Here are the top benefits for staying present:
- Strengthening Working Relationships
Presence is foundational to building and maintaining strong working relationships. When you are fully engaged while in a conversation, whether it’s a one-on-one with a colleague or a team, you can demonstrate respect, empathy, trust, and collaboration. Think for example, a project meeting where a team member shares a concern about a fast-approaching deadline. Tending to emails or thinking about another task takes away from being present for that team member, thereby, missing the nuance of their concern, which can lead to a missed opportunity for support or solution-finding. Being fully present allows you to engage meaningfully, which not only addresses the issue at hand but also reinforces your colleague’s sense of being valued and heard.
- Timely and Effective Responses
The ability to respond quickly and accurately is essential and expected. When practicing presence, responses to emails, questions, or challenges are more likely to be addressed in a timely matter. For instance, imagine receiving an urgent client request while distracted by another task. By not being present, response time could be delayed and/or contain errors. By dedicating focus on the task in the present moment, communication is clearer, decisions are more sound, and actions are more timely—all important in maintaining client satisfaction and meeting deadlines.
- Boosting Morale and Reducing Stress
Staying present also impacts workplace morale. When employees’ contributions are acknowledged and their voices heard, overall morale improves. Being present helps in creating a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels included and respected. By focusing on one task at a time, the stress stemming from managing too many things all at once is reduced. This type of mindfulness enhances well-being and serves as a positive example for peers, contributing to a more relaxed and productive work atmosphere.
- Enhancing Creativity and Problem-Solving
Creativity thrives when there’s full engagement within that task; being present allows one to see challenges from new angles, think more creatively, and develop innovative solutions. Think about what it’s like during a brainstorming session—if there’s distractions by unrelated thoughts or tasks, one may miss out on the synergy of ideas that can lead to innovative solutions. Practicing presence opens up the opportunity to connect ideas, collaborate more effectively, and contribute in a meaning way to the team’s success.
Business Case Study: Howard Schultz – The Power of Presence at Starbucks
Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, is a business leader who connects deeply with employees, customers, and the company’s mission—all instrumental in transforming Starbucks from a small coffee chain into a successful global brand.
Background
When Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982, it was a small Seattle-based coffee retailer with a few stores. Schultz identified the potential to create a “third place” between home and work, where people could relax, connect, and enjoy a cup of coffee. He eventually took over as CEO in 1986, and under his leadership, Starbucks rapidly expanded.
By 2007, Starbucks faced significant challenges; the company had grown rapidly, but in the process had lost some of the unique customer experience that had originally set it apart. The global financial crisis worsened these issues, leading to declining sales and store closures. Schultz returned as CEO in 2008 to turn the company around.
Staying Present: Schultz’s Approach
Upon his return, Schultz focused on being fully present with both employees and customers to understand the core issues facing Starbucks. He made the bold decision to close over 7,000 U.S. stores for one day to retrain baristas on how to make the perfect espresso—a move that underscored his commitment to quality and customer experience.
Schultz also conducted “town hall” meetings and personally visited stores around the world, where he interacted directly with employees and customers. By being present in these conversations, Schultz was able to gain valuable insights that helped him steer Starbucks back on course—he listened to employees’ concerns about the company’s direction, inviting and incorporating their feedback, which rebuilt trust and morale within the organization.
Impact
Schultz’s presence practice leadership style had a transformative impact on Starbucks:
Revitalized Customer Experience: By focusing on the core experience of enjoying a cup of coffee, Schultz was able to re-invigorate Starbucks’ brand. The emphasis on quality and customer connection helped Starbucks regain its reputation as a premium coffee brand.
Employee Engagement: Schultz’s commitment to practicing being present with his employees fostered a culture of mutual respect and empowerment—he famously referred to Starbucks employees as “partners,” reflecting the value he placed on their contributions. This approach not only improved morale but also enhanced customer service since the employees were more engaged and motivated to deliver a great experience.
Innovation: Schultz’s presence allowed him to identify emerging trends and opportunities—his close attention to customer feedback led to the development of new products and store concepts, such as the Starbucks Reserve, which catered to customers seeking a more immersive coffee experience.
Financial Recovery: Schultz’s leadership helped Starbucks navigate their challenges—under his guidance, the company recovered from the financial crisis and expanded its global footprint, solidifying its position as a leader in the coffee industry.
Business Case Study Conclusion
Howard Schultz’s tenure at Starbucks shows that by deeply engaging with employees and customers, he was able to reconnect the company with its core values, drive innovation, and ultimately lead Starbucks to renewed success. His example underscores how presence can be a powerful tool for revitalizing a brand, enhancing employee engagement, and driving long-term business growth.
Conclusion
Practicing presence is about engaging in the moment, with the people and tasks before you—elevating experiences to a real, more connected level. By cultivating presence, you can build stronger relationships, be more responsive, boost morale, and promote creativity. In a world where distractions are everywhere, making the choice to be present is a positive and powerful way to enhance both personal and organizational success.
