Think about the last time someone came to talk to you. Where was your phone? Be honest—was it face up on your desk, quietly demanding attention with each notification?
“When somebody walks into your office, put your phone away,” says Simon. “It’s so easy, but it sends a powerful message that they matter.”
It sounds almost too simple to be meaningful. But according to Simon, these small moments of complete attention are the building blocks of extraordinary team culture.
“It’s the little things that add up more than the big things,” he explains. “Like saying good morning in the hallway. It doesn’t seem to do anything, but when you do it every day, people start to feel seen and heard.”
The Power of Consistency
This isn’t about grand gestures or company-wide initiatives. It’s about the tiny choices we make dozens of times each day. Simon shares a story about his friend Bob Chapman, who learned from his priest that “consistency is more powerful than intensity.”
Think about that for a moment. We often believe leadership is about big moments—the inspiring speeches, the crucial decisions, the bold directions. But what if the real magic happens in those small, everyday interactions?
Making It Work (Really Work)
Here’s how to put this into practice:
Create a Phone-Free Zone
When someone enters your office or starts a conversation, make it a ritual to physically put your phone away—not just face down, but out of sight. This isn’t just about reducing distractions; it’s about sending a clear message about what (and who) matters most.
Make It a Daily Practice
“Leadership is a human enterprise,” Simon reminds us. “It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and understood.” This means showing up the same way, every day, in every interaction.
Watch for the Ripple Effect
When leaders model this behavior, it spreads. Team members begin to give each other the same undivided attention, creating a culture of genuine listening and respect.
The Parent Test
Simon offers a powerful way to think about this: “The closest analogy I can give to being a great leader is like being a great parent. Yes, I know you don’t get to pick your team sometimes, but you don’t get to pick your children either, and yet you show up with love every day.”
Would you check your phone while your child is telling you about their day? That same principle applies to your team.
The Real Impact
This practice isn’t just about making people feel good—though that matters. It’s about creating the kind of psychological safety that leads to:
- More honest feedback
- Better problem-solving
- Increased innovation
- Stronger team bonds
Because when people feel truly seen and heard, they bring their whole selves to work. They take risks. They speak up. They care more.
“Leadership is nothing about being in charge,” Simon reminds us. “It’s about seeing those around us rise.”
Sometimes, that rising starts with something as simple as putting your phone away.
