The Shift: Presence often matters more than solutions
The Practice: When someone shares something with you, pause and listen—without rushing to solve.
In our results-driven world, it’s easy to default to fixing. Many of us pride ourselves on solving problems, analyzing data, and offering answers. I certainly did. As an organization development consultant, I spent years diagnosing complex systems, interviewing people, creating surveys, analyzing results, and delivering detailed strategies for change. I was good at it, and so much of the work was valuable.
But something shifted when I began to emphasize deep listening over quick solutions. It was a relief not to always have to provide answers.
Rather than rushing to diagnose or prescribe, I chose to simply be present with my clients. I let go of trying to “fix” things—even when that’s what they said they wanted. Instead, I created space for meaningful conversations. And something powerful happened: people opened up. They felt seen and heard. From this space of presence, authentic strategies emerged uniquely suited to the individuals, teams and organizations involved.
Rather than pushing forward with data-heavy reports and charts, we co-created new ways forward. The process became more human, more alive, and more effective. And it also became more joyful. The joy of seeing people come alive with their own solutions is unparalleled.
I’ve found the same is true in coaching. I don’t view my clients as problems to be solved. I see them as whole, capable, and resourceful. When I show up with presence, empathy, and curiosity, clients often uncover their own insights and take inspired action. This approach empowers them and builds their confidence. My job is not to fix, but to witness, support, and trust the unfolding.
Try This Practice
Notice your tendency to jump in with advice or solutions. Instead, pause when someone shares something with you—at work or in life.
- Breathe.
- Listen.
- Be fully present.
- Let silence do some of the work.
- Ask yourself: “What if my presence is more powerful than my ideas?”
- When we shift from fixing to listening, we invite trust, clarity, and connection.
- We create space for wisdom, ours and theirs, to emerge.
This is JOYBeing: presence over pressure, connection over control, curiosity over correction.