Why Just Showing Up Isn’t Enough: The Leadership Lesson I Learned from Walking My Dogs
Sep 03, 2025
When I coach leaders, one of the most common blind spots I see is the assumption that presence is enough. That being in the room, sending the email, attending the meeting, or showing up on the call means you’re leading.
But there’s a difference between being present and being engaged. And I learned that on a muddy walk with my dogs.
Presence vs. Engagement: A Lesson from the Field
Most mornings, I walk my two dogs in the fields behind my home. I open the gate, let them roam, and take a few deep breaths of fresh air. I’m there physically—but mentally, I’m often somewhere else.
And the dogs? They still run, they still play, and eventually, we all end up back at the house. So it’s easy to tell myself that’s enough.
But I’ve come to realise: what they really want isn’t just my presence. It’s my engagement.
When I call their names, offer encouragement, or make eye contact, something changes. Their behaviour improves. They stick closer. The trust deepens. The bond grows.
And leadership is no different.
Why Engagement Is the Missing Link for So Many Leaders
Many leaders think presence is doing enough. But just showing up doesn’t build trust. It doesn’t shift behaviour. It doesn’t unlock performance.
Engagement is what creates movement. When you’re truly engaged:
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People feel seen and heard.
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Trust strengthens.
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Communication improves.
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Performance rises.
And here's the simple truth: people don’t just follow titles, they follow energy. When you engage—not just attend—you bring energy, direction, and stability.
The Transformation Leaders Experience Through Coaching
The leaders I work with often start in this same place. They’re present. They care. But their teams feel disconnected, motivation is inconsistent, and performance has plateaued.
Through coaching, they begin to:
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Understand the emotional impact of their presence.
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Build habits of real engagement.
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Communicate in ways that generate trust.
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Shift team culture from reactive to responsive.
The result? Stronger teams, clearer direction, and measurable improvement—not just in outcomes, but in how people feel about their work and their leader.
If You’re Ready to Shift from Showing Up to Truly Leading…
I coach leaders who want more than just influence—they want impact.
If that’s you, let’s talk. My coaching is designed for those who are willing to be challenged, ready to engage, and committed to growing their emotional intelligence.
Book a coaching session or email me directly at [email protected]