6 Ways to Share the Gift of Presence this Holiday Season

Our core business purpose is "to create Unmatched Experiences for clients and employees." Throughout the company, we share stories, ideas and inspiration for living this purpose. Today, we’re sharing an article written by our Leadership Development Lead Hillary Reed Pasquale, PhD where she reminds us about “the gift of presence.”

The Gift of Presence

In our rapidly moving world today, being able to truly connect and be present with others has become a lost art. The gift of presence is an increasingly rare commodity. However, it holds a transformative power for building exceptional cultures and creating unmatched experiences.

The gift of presence is more than just being physically present. It’s about being fully engaged, actively listening, and bringing your authentic self to every interaction.

Here are a few ways you can share the gift of presence:

• Take care of your own needs: It is hard to be present with others when we are overwhelmed, exhausted or stressed. Take time for what energizes and excites you.

• Eliminate distractions: Silence notifications so you can focus entirely on the task or the person in front of you. Put away your phone and other devices during meetings.

• Be engaged and intentional: Prepare ahead of time for meetings or conversations to ensure you are able to make a meaningful contribution. Commit to being fully engaged and create space for others to share their insights.

• Practice active listening: Maintain eye contact and give others your full attention. Avoid interrupting or thinking ahead for your next response. Show genuine interest in others by asking open-ended questions.

• Practice mindfulness: Be aware of your and others’ body language and ground yourself in the moment. Pay attention to your feet on the ground and tune into your five senses.

• Celebrate contributions and strengths: It is very easy to notice things that we do not like in ourselves or in others. Take time to acknowledge your strengths and the strengths of others. Recognize and appreciate the efforts of others in real time. Show gratitude and lift the spirits of those around you, including yourself.

We’ve all had moments in meetings or conversations when we were “there,” but our minds were elsewhere. When we practice being present, we foster deeper connections, inspire trust, and create environments where people and ideas can thrive.

The power of presence also shapes the experiences we deliver to our clients. When we are present, we listen to their needs, understand their challenges, and demonstrate that we value their time and trust. Presence ensures we don’t just meet expectations — we exceed them, consistently delivering unmatched experiences that set us apart.

As we kick off the holiday season consider the following… Do you often catch yourself planning your next meeting while still attending the current one? Or find yourself checking emails or social media during your family dinner?

Presence is about being fully engaged in the moment with the people who are there and becoming a gift to them. It’s not about being perfect, but being intentional with your time, focus and attention.