Presence in Absence in Leadership

Embracing the Power of Mystery

Micky Kayn
3 min readApr 19, 2024
How would you fill this empty space Unsplash

In a culture that glorifies constant communication, self-help, and active management, the concept of stepping back and allowing space for absence is a profound scientific way to be a better leader, mentor, and manager. This might seem counterintuitive — don’t lead to lead.

While the spotlight often shines bright on those who are the most vocal and visible, there exists a subtle yet profound art that is often overlooked — the art of presence in absence. It is this art that can wield a remarkable influence, fostering deeper connections, inspiring creativity, and ultimately, leading to more effective leadership.

At its core, the art of presence in absence revolves around the delicate balance between being actively engaged and purposefully stepping back. It is about knowing when to lead from the forefront and when to create space for others to step up. In essence, it is the antithesis of micro-management, where trust and empowerment take center stage.

Absence in leadership can add an air of mystery. This is applicable in the office or with your social network. By not constantly being in the spotlight or bombarding followers with incessant updates, leaders create a sense of intrigue and curiosity. People naturally gravitate towards the unknown, and in the absence…

--

--

Micky Kayn

Data and tech entrepreneur. Connoisseur of life, nature, and logic.