Presence as Part of Leadership

Introduction
Presence is an important part of leadership.
It involves being focused and deliberately in the moment, not indicating that your attention is elsewhere.

It is more about demeanour rather than charisma.
"...it is being fully engaged and invested in a moment, conveying a sense of purpose, authenticity, and connection..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

It is more than how you look and sound, but how you make others feel when interacting.
"...this means you listen, engage, make eye contact, nod, and asked for thoughtful questions. You demonstrate empathy and understanding and are generally interested in the person or people you are with. It is not about arrogance but.a willingness to back yourself and take calculated risk. It's holding steady and composed in the face of challenge or stress. It's being willing to share your feelings without letting emotions over-run decision-making and perspectives..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

"...As a participant in their interaction, you left feeling seen, and, more importantly, that you matter to them......enable those around them to feel heard, valued and respected......helps to develop and solidify the relationship..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

Those with presence notice what is said and not said; understand the subtle shifts in relationships and group dynamics, etc; they
"...always turn up prepared. They listened. Focused during all conversations and always observed and heard what was happening..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

Those who don't have presence show it, eg looking at their mobile, answering a mobile call during a meeting, seen distracted, disinterested and generally disconnected and unavailable.

Cultivating presence

Despite distractions like social media, digitalisation, multi-skilling, etc, are making it harder to be fully engaged in a moment, presence is a skill that can be developed:

i) self-awareness (initially know yourself so that able to focus on who you are and the type of leader you want to be; 4 critical characteristics:
    - authenticity (be yourself; don't imitate somebody else;
"...share your stories, opinions and emotions in an appropriate and relevant way..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

    - adaptability (be able to adjust to different situations and people; be flexible and open-minded)
    - empathy (appreciate the feeling of others and understand their perspectives; create a space for others to be seen and heard; understand other's needs)
    - respectful (accept, recognise, etc others' needs; be considerate, courteous and interested))

ii) inner calm (stay calm when under pressure; know your emotional triggers and have strategies to handle; some useful practices include meditation and deep breathing
"...regular meditation lays the groundwork for you to be more mindful. It will help you stay present in the moment and reduce distractions. It can also help you manage stress more effectively......use your breathing to centre your awareness, released tension and help you focus..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m
Understand what you can and can't do; use reflection to refocus and recharge.)

iii) focus externally (build on self-awareness and inner calm to encourage focus, connection and engagement
"... Consider all interactions as an opportunity to connect rather than a transaction or tasks to finish..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023m

Appreciate the impact of communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), ie what messages are you conveying by your words and actions.)
NB Presence is a quality that can be cultivated.