How many times have you heard that to live a great life, you should be living your life in the moment? Embracing each second as an experience and grasping on to those moments to create a lasting memory; to share each moment as though it was your last and connect with those around you. I am confident that right at this moment, you are nodding your head in agreement for this is a mantra often screamed from the rooftops by our family members, friends, mentors and peers.

But as leaders would we be able to have the same lasting impact if we lead in the moment and embraced each second with our team as an opportunity to make a strong impression and create a deep connection?

Next time you are with your teams, really take notice to how you are spending your leadership moments. Are you creating intense emotional moments that evoke positive marks on those that follow you? Or do you create scars?

Here are six ways to help you shift your approach to creating impactful moments.

1. Be total present and free from distractions. Remember it is only for a few moments, so don’t multi-task. Put down the cellphone, shut down your laptop and engage with your teammate. Commit to being present in that moment and engaged on your fellow coworker and watch for an immediate impact.
2. Be curious, ask questions. To be engaging, you need to engage. Participate in the conversation and ask open end questions that get people talking. Sincerely be interested in learning more about the topic or ideas your team is presenting and embrace their creativity in a positive manner.
3. Give feedback. Remember you are the leader. Provide feedback in a constructive way. Use this as an opportunity to shed light and share your wisdom in what I like to call ….teaching moments.
4. Create a non judgmental zone. Your team is coming to you with their ideas and aspirations and some may not be strong communicators or as seasoned as you. Create an atmosphere of trust and no judgement. There are no bad comments or ideas, just underdeveloped ones… Your job is to coach your team up and make them feel invisible along the way.
5. Make strong eye contact and listen intently. The best leaders make you feel as though you are the only person in the room even a room of hundreds. The great ones accomplish this by being present in the moment, making good eye contact (without being weird) and using active listening skills that allow you to ask questions and give the right feedback.

As a leader within your organization, you have a responsibility to your team to lead them in a positive and impactful way. By taking a deep breath and allowing yourself to be removed from all the distractions we as leaders face, and focusing on creating intense emotion-evoking moments, your leadership will not only propel your team to perform, but have a long lasting impact on their careers.