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The Power of Showing Up
Why Consistency Beats Complexity in Leadership
Ikechukwu Okoh
July 14, 2025
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Here, I share weekly actionable strategies and lessons from my experiences as a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and angel investor.
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Leading Quietly.
During my early years as a medical officer in Nigeria, I worked under a quiet leader named Dr. Chukwuma.
He never made a fuss and wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but every morning at 7:30 AM sharp, he was there.
He would check charts, listen attentively, ask questions, and assist junior colleagues with small details that others often overlooked.
Years later, when he retired, the entire hospital overflowed with tributes.
This was not because he was perfect, but because he consistently showed up.
That’s when I learned an important lesson:
You don’t need to be the best leader in the world; you need to be the one who keeps showing up when it matters most.
The Leadership Advantage of Consistency
In today’s performance-driven world, leaders often pursue visibility, brilliance, or breakthroughs.
However, most teams are not seeking brilliance every day; they are looking for someone they can rely on.
3 Reasons Why “Showing Up” Increases Influence
1. Predictability Builds Psychological Safety
Your presence provides your team with emotional stability.
2. Repetition Builds Reputation
When people can depend on your presence, they start to trust your leadership.
3. Presence Builds Momentum
By showing up every day, you model a consistent pace rather than just exerting power.
The SHOW UP Framework
Use this simple checklist to evaluate your leadership presence each week:
- S – Stay Visible
Don’t vanish when challenges arise.
- H – Hold the Room
Create space for others to express their voices without needing the spotlight for yourself.
- O – Own Your Rhythm
Establish and maintain a predictable cadence (such as standups, check-ins, and updates).
- W – Watch the Small Things
Details matter. Your attention to them teaches the team what they should value.
- U – Uplift Others
Notice their contributions, affirm their efforts, and appreciate their work. This is essential for strong leadership.
- P – Persist Through Boredom
Your influence grows when you remain consistent, even when the work feels monotonous.
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Ikechukwu’s Journal
Last week, I received a message from a mentee I hadn't spoken to in eight months.
He said, "I just wanted to thank you for always replying. It taught me how to lead with presence, not just position."
That message reminded me that our presence can permit others.
Every reply, every meeting, and every moment you choose to show up matters.
Even when no one applauds, the room still notices.
What to do this week:
List 3 moments where your presence would have a quiet impact
Choose one “boring” commitment to keep faithfully this week
Reach out to someone who always shows up, and thank them
If this resonated with you, tag someone whose steady leadership has shaped your journey.
And don’t forget, tomorrow on Fireplace Conversations, I’ll go deeper on this topic in Episode 6: The Power of Showing Up.
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Ikechukwu Okoh
Founder of Leadership Pulse
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