Physical Presence ≠ Productivity: Busting the Biggest Leadership Myth of 2025 In a world obsessed with "butts in seats," our latest episode tackles the age-old question that's more relevant than ever: Does physical presence actually equal productivity? (Spoiler alert: It doesn't.) The Truth Behind the Desk When COVID-19 forced a global experiment in remote work, it exposed something many leaders weren't ready to admit—productivity has very little to do with where your body is located. As illustrated through real workplace examples, productivity is more about mindset than physical location. Culture Eats Location for Breakfast Our conversation highlighted a crucial insight: organizational culture trumps office policy every time. Without clear communication, articulated values, and intentional leadership, it doesn't matter if your team is sitting right in front of you or working from the moon. Trust: The Currency of Remote Success The leaders who thrived during pandemic-forced remote work were those who already trusted their teams. Those who equated supervision with productivity? They struggled mightily (and still do). The Bottom Line The most productive employees aren't necessarily the ones you can see—they're the ones who are mentally present and engaged with their work. Physical presence is just one ingredient in the productivity recipe, and often not even the most important one. Tune in for: 💥Why the federal government's forced return-to-office policy misses the mark 💥A refreshing take on flexibility and the need for leadership reset 💥Practical tips for measuring what actually matters in productivity 💥A cheeky debate about falling iguanas and geographical confusion (yes, really) Remember, in the battle between presence and performance, the winner isn't determined by attendance—it's determined by results.