Pause and Reflect

Leadership Pause is designed to give you a 10 minute break—a chance to open yourself to different perspectives and new ideas. Start by listening to some music while you breathe and clear your mind.

Expand My Perspective

Now focus on the image (play the music again if it helps). Let your mind wander as you think about these questions:

What colors in this image stand out to me?
What different textures can I imagine?
If I was in this image what/where would I be?
What might I remove from the image?
What does it remind me of?

Personal Application

What does the image reflect about how my presence impacts others?
What word(s) might I use to label my presence with others?
What insights does it offer to me?

Focus on Action

What’s one takeaway from this reflection?
What’s an action I can take to integrate when I meet other people today?

COPIA’s Leadership Pause series is inspired by Points of You®, whose creative tools help leaders discover different perspectives and generate new ideas. Discover Points of You® training options.

Leadership Pause: How Do People Feel After Spending Time with Me?

Why does my presence matter as a leader?

People often remember less about what leaders said and more about how they felt after the interaction. Your presence influences trust, engagement, psychological safety, and the overall emotional climate around you.

What does it mean to be intentional about my presence?

Being intentional about your presence means paying attention not only to your goals and messages, but also to the emotional experience you create for others. It involves understanding how your words, tone, energy, and attention affect those around you.

How can I tell if my presence has a positive impact?

Consider questions such as:

Do people seem comfortable bringing concerns to me?
Do others feel heard after speaking with me?
Do people leave conversations feeling clearer or more confused?
Do team members appear energized or depleted after interactions?
Am I creating connection or distance?

Patterns in the answers can reveal the impact of your presence.

Why is self-awareness important for leadership presence?

Self-awareness helps leaders recognize how they show up under different conditions. Stress, distraction, frustration, or urgency can influence how others experience us, even when our intentions are positive.

What emotions do effective leaders create in others?

While every situation is different, effective leaders often help others feel:

Heard
Respected
Valued
Safe
Supported
Challenged in constructive ways
Clear about expectations
Confident in moving forward

How does emotional intelligence influence leadership presence?

Emotional intelligence helps leaders understand both their own emotions and the emotions of others. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence are better able to regulate their reactions, listen deeply, and create interactions that strengthen relationships.

What if my intentions and impact are different?

This happens frequently. Many leaders intend to be supportive but are experienced as rushed. Others intend to be decisive but are experienced as dismissive. Leadership growth often begins when we become curious about the gap between intention and impact.