Surf the wave 5: The Hidden Cost of Leading on Autopilot

How to Regain Clarity and Focus in Uncertain Times.

When crisis strikes, most leadership teams shift into overdrive. Meetings become rapid-fire, multitasking takes over, and everyone feels like they’re rushing to keep up. 

But here’s the hard truth: Operating on autopilot doesn’t solve problems—it creates them.

The key to navigating uncertainty isn’t speed; it’s presence.

A Real Scenario:

A C-level team at a growing tech company is in the middle of a complex product pivot. Deadlines are tight, customers are frustrated, and every meeting feels like a whirlwind of stress. People are talking over one another, emails pile up mid-discussion, and decisions are rushed—only to be revisited later because of misalignment. (recognisable right?)

One day, the COO pauses mid-meeting and says: “Let’s stop. What’s really happening here?”

The team falls silent. For the first time in weeks, they slow down. They start listening—really listening—to each other. Tensions ease as frustrations are voiced and acknowledged. With this simple act of presence, they uncover a key insight: The product timeline isn’t the issue. It’s a communication gap between engineering and marketing that’s fueling the chaos.

This breakthrough only happened because they took a moment to ground themselves and truly engage with the moment.

Why Presence Matters for C-Teams

In volatile times, presence isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. 

When teams cultivate presence:

• Clarity Improves: You focus on what’s truly important, not just what feels urgent.

• Communication Deepens: People feel heard, leading to better alignment and faster problem-solving.

• Creativity Emerges: Space for reflection allows innovative ideas to surface.

How to Cultivate Presence in Your Team:

• Start Meetings with a Grounding Moment - take time to "land" in the meeting: Take 30 seconds to breathe, clear distractions, and set an intention for the conversation.

• Practice Active Listening: Challenge your team to listen without interrupting or mentally preparing a response.

  
  

• Slow Down to Speed Up: Pause to ask, “What are we missing?” This creates space for overlooked insights to emerge.

• Hold Each Other Accountable: If someone is distracted or rushing, kindly bring the team back to focus.

Challenge for Your Team:

In your next meeting, try this:

- Pause for 30 seconds before diving into the agenda.

- Ask, “What can we do to bring greater presence to this conversation?”

- Reflect on how staying grounded impacts the quality of your discussion and decisions.

Presence isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for clarity, alignment, and resilience in the face of change.