Leadership Lessons from 29029 Stratton: Presence
Every climb has its visible heroes, the loud ones cheering at the summit, the determined ones pushing through pain, the ones who rally others when spirits dip. But some of the most important heroes are the steady ones; the ones who lift others up, set the tone, and keep everyone moving.
At Stratton, that was Mack.
He wasn’t quiet so much as calm; Mack was encouraging, helpful, patient and always in motion, always aware of what others needed. When Jake struggled, Mack was there with steady encouragement. When I started calculating laps and time, he’d shift the focus back to what was right in front of us which was one climb, one lap, one step at a time.
That’s presence.
The Strength of Steadiness
Presence doesn’t mean being invisible; rather, it’s the strength to stay composed and positive when things get hard. It’s optimism combined with discipline; the ability to keep moving forward, in spite of challenges while helping others do the same.
At Stratton, that looked like Mack handing over snacks, refilling bottles, or calling out something simple like, “Let’s take the next one slower.” He wasn’t trying to lead the charge; he was helping everyone around him stay in it.
That kind of steadiness is easy to overlook because it doesn’t attract attention. But in teams, it’s what keeps everything connected and moving forward.
Leadership Isn’t Always Obvious
In leadership, presence shows up the same way. It’s the teammate who offers calm confidence when things don’t go according to plan. The manager who notices when someone’s focus dips and checks in. The person who keeps momentum going in spite of challenges.
We often equate leadership with visibility. But the truth is, leadership isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s about letting people know that they’re not climbing alone.
The Power of Presence
During one of the later laps, I remember watching Mack walk ahead a few steps, then slow just enough to make sure Jake and I were able to keep up. He wasn’t trying to set the pace; he was making sure we stayed together.
That small act said everything about Mack’s character and his leadership. Presence isn’t about control; it’s about connection, showing up consistently, and with enough patience and energy that others draw strength from it.
Leadership doesn’t always mean leading from the front. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is lead alongside someone — encouraging, patient, and grounded — and help them keep climbing.