“To see the world, things dangerous to come to… to see behind walls…” — The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the most transformative moments don’t come from boardroom speeches or flashy promotions—they come from noticing. Noticing what’s missing. Noticing what matters. And perhaps most importantly, noticing the people around us.
Walter begins the film as a quiet, overlooked negative assets manager at LIFE magazine—a guy who zones out to escape the monotony of his work life. But as the story unfolds, we see something powerful: once he starts paying attention—to clues, to people, to himself—his whole world opens up.
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected, notification-filled world, being present is becoming a leadership superpower. And just like Walter, leaders who practice the art of noticing can transform not only themselves, but their teams and cultures.
Why Noticing Matters in Leadership
The modern workplace is noisy. We're constantly bombarded by pings, meetings, metrics, and media. In the rush to keep up, it’s easy for leaders to miss the quiet indicators—disengagement, unspoken ideas, budding potential, or cultural misalignment—that shape team dynamics in big ways.
Noticing is about being attuned to the unspoken.
It’s in the body language during a team meeting, the employee who always stays quiet during brainstorms, the promising applicant whose story doesn’t fit a perfect mold, but carries a spark you can’t ignore.
Great leaders don’t just respond—they observe. They create space for insight by being present. That’s where real trust is built.
How to Cultivate Presence in a Distracted World
- Slow Down—Even for 60 Seconds
Presence doesn’t require a two-hour meditation. It starts with short pauses—before a meeting, after a tough conversation, during a candidate interview. Even brief moments of reflection can improve emotional clarity and decision-making.
- Listen Beyond Words
Pay attention to what’s not being said. Are your employees hesitating when they speak? Are they avoiding eye contact in certain discussions? Body language, tone, and silence can speak volumes.
- Ask Better Questions
Instead of “What’s the update?”, try “What’s challenging you right now?”
Being present means showing interest in people’s experience, not just their output.
- Notice the Small Wins
Celebrating the unnoticed effort—an employee who diffuses tension, or a volunteer who quietly goes above and beyond—builds morale and deepens trust.
How This Ties Back to Bchex
At Bchex, we believe that the best teams are built on trust, intention, and thoughtful leadership. That’s why our approach to background screening isn’t just about data—it’s about context. It’s about helping you see the full picture so you can make informed, human decisions.
When leaders take the time to notice—whether it’s a red flag in an applicant's history, or a hidden gem in someone’s story—they’re not just checking boxes. They’re building culture with care.
Hiring, onboarding, and team-building all benefit from presence.
It’s how you avoid the wrong hires, support the right ones, and cultivate an environment where people feel seen—because they are.
Final Thought: Be the Leader Who Notices
You don’t need to leap out of a helicopter into Iceland like Walter Mitty to become a better leader (though that would be memorable). Sometimes, the biggest shift comes from looking up from your screen and really seeing the person in front of you.
In a distracted workplace, your ability to notice may be your most powerful leadership tool.
