Leadership Moments: Choosing Presence Over Default

Over time, we’ve come to see that leadership doesn’t just happen in the big, visible decisions. More often, it shows itself in the quieter spaces, the moments where we’re faced with a choice about how to respond.

A leadership moment is one of those crossroads. Do we react out of habit, or do we respond with authenticity and courage? Do we stay in our comfort zone, or do we lean into what the situation or the people around us really need?

Some of the most meaningful moments we’ve experienced have been simple ones: pausing to thank someone when it would have been easier to rush on, checking in with a colleague who seemed off their game, or giving a team member the space to step forward rather than taking over ourselves. Other times, the moment has required more courage; speaking up when it was easier to stay quiet, challenging an idea that didn’t sit right, or sitting with uncertainty instead of jumping to solutions.

What we’ve learned is that these small choices accumulate. They ripple outward, shaping how people feel about their work, their team, and their leader. They build trust, encourage growth, and over time, they define culture. They also shape who we are as leaders. Each time we choose presence over default, we strengthen our capacity to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

The truth is that every day offers us leadership moments. Some arrive quietly; others feel charged with risk or emotion. Either way, they are opportunities. Opportunities to influence, support, and empower. Opportunities to align with the kind of leaders we want to be.

So perhaps the question for all of us is this: What leadership moment is in front of us today, and how will we choose to meet it?