Leading in business is about planning. Creating plans, executing plans, and monitoring progress against those plans.

Here’s the problem: creating plans is about the future, then everything after that is about living in the past.

When are we ever in the present? Here’s why that’s important:

That customer is talking with you right now, and they need you to help make their life better.

That employee is talking with you right now, and they need your understanding and help.

You’re working on a decision right now, and it needs to be carefully thought through.

Sure, you have dreams and concerns and issues, just like you do with your kids. But the most important thing is to be present when your kids need you, right in that moment.

You’ll be done reading this article at the end of the paragraph. Then what do you need to be present with? Be there.