Lead With Presence

Leading with Presence: How to Build Trust and Inspire Your Team

As a transformative executive coach, I have seen firsthand the impact that executive presence can have on a leader’s success. But before we delve into the intricacies of executive presence, it's important to first understand the concept of presence itself. What does it mean to be present how can presence help in your personal and professional lives? Let’s explore the power of presence and how it relates to leadership, particularly executive presence. And by the end of this post, you will have a deeper understanding of how presence can transform the way you lead and interact with others.

The Power of Presence: How to experience it, why It's Important, and what's available from this place of neutrality and personal power.

When you are present, you experience a greater sense of connection with yourself, others, and the world around you. Presence is your natural state of being, however, staying present is often easier said than done.

What is Presence?

Presence is a state of being fully engaged and focused on the present moment. When you are present, you're not distracted by your thoughts, worries, or fears. Instead, you are fully immersed in the here and now, experiencing each moment as it comes. You are aware of your thoughts and feelings, but you do not get caught up in them. Instead, you observe them without judgment and let them go.

Meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating presence. Through meditation practice, you learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. With regular practice, you begin to develop a greater sense of awareness and control over your thoughts and emotions. You learn to recognize when you are being pulled away from the present moment and can gently guide yourself back. This skill becomes particularly useful in high-pressure situations, allowing you to remain calm and centered even when things are chaotic around you.

How to Experience Presence?

There are many ways to experience presence, but the most effective way is through mindfulness practices. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without judgment. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply being aware of your breath. The key is to find a practice that works for you and to make it a regular part of your daily routine.

Why is Presence Important?

Presence is important because it helps you live your life more fully. When you are present, you experience greater joy, love, and connection with others. You’re more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which helps you to make better decisions and to be more compassionate towards yourself and others. Presence also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.

What's Available When You Are Present?

When you are present, you have access to a whole range of experiences and elevated emotions that are not available when you are distracted or preoccupied. You are able to connect more deeply with yourself and others, to experience greater joy and love, and to be more fully engaged with the world around you. When you are present, you are more creative, more productive, and more open to new experiences. You are more ALIVE!!

Why is it Difficult to Maintain Presence?

Despite the many benefits of presence, it can be difficult to maintain. Your mind is constantly pulled in different directions by your thoughts, worries, and fears and phone. We live in a fast-paced world that values productivity over presence, and it can be hard to slow down and be fully present in the moment. However, with practice, you can learn to cultivate presence and to make it a regular part of your daily life.

You want success and happiness.

Happiness can only be found in the present moment. When you are fully engaged in the here and now, you are able to experience all of the joys and wonders that life has to offer. However, if you are constantly focused on the past or worrying about the future, you miss out on the present moment and all of its possibilities. Happiness is not something you can chase or achieve through external means; it is a state of being that can only be found within yourself. When you are present, you are able to tap into this inner source of happiness and live your life with greater joy and fulfillment. Let go of the past, stop worrying about the future, and be fully present in the moment. Happiness is waiting for you, right here, right now!

When you are present you have access to authentic power and creativity.

When you are present, you tap into a deep well of creativity and power. Your mind is more clear and focused, and you are able to access new ideas and insights that may have been hidden from you before. You are able to see things from a new perspective and approach problems with greater flexibility and innovation. When you are fully engaged in the present moment, you are not held back by doubts or fears, and you are able to tap into more of your potential. This is why many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs cite presence as a key factor in their success.

Remaining present in times of chaos and crisis can be challenging, but it is also essential for maintaining your wellbeing and navigating difficult situations with clarity and resilience. Here are some tips for staying present in times of chaos and crisis:

Breathe: When you are stressed or anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. By taking slow, deep breaths, you can slow down your heart rate and calm your nervous system. This will help you to remain centered and present in the moment.

Stay grounded: In times of chaos and crisis, it can be easy to get caught up in your thoughts and emotions. To stay grounded, focus on your physical sensations. Feel the ground beneath your feet, the air on your skin, and the sensations in your body.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for staying present in the moment. Whether through meditation, yoga, or simply being aware of your surroundings, mindfulness can help you stay focused and centered even in the midst of chaos.

Seek support: In times of crisis, it can be helpful to seek support from others. This can be friends, family, or professionals who can help you process your emotions and stay grounded in the present moment.

Take breaks: In the midst of chaos and crisis, it can be easy to get caught up in the constant barrage of news and information. Taking breaks from social media and news can help you stay present and focused on what is most important.

Staying present in times of chaos and crisis is not easy, but it is possible. By focusing on your breath, staying grounded, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, and taking breaks when needed, you can stay centered and present even in the most challenging of situations. Remember, staying present is not about ignoring or denying your emotions, but rather about acknowledging them and staying grounded in the present moment as you navigate through them.

With practice, you can learn to cultivate presence and to experience all of the benefits that it has to offer. So, take a deep breath, slow down, and be fully present in the moment. You might be surprised at what you discover.