Reflection: The Leader’s Gift – Presence

If the currency of the economy of relationship is trust, the currency of leadership is presence. To “be there” at the critical moment for an individual, a team or an organization is the essence of a leader’s effectiveness. Presence requires of the leader attention and intention. Good leadership is always intentional and “attentional.”

When I was helping to lead a community hospital in Virginia a decade or so ago I decided to count through the course of day every single human interaction I had – in person, in the hallway, in an executive or hospital meeting; by phone, email or text. I carried a 3×5 card and made little pencil tick-marks throughout the day. At the end of the 18 hours or so of measurement I counted 283 pencil marks: 283 encounters. The requirement for me as the leader to be present, attentional and intentional was not daunting or infinite. It was in fact finite and consisted of scores of opportunities to be present, to be listening, to be attentive – to “be there.”

The Egyptian philosopher Ptahhotep wrote in the 24^th century BC, “Those who must listen to the pleas and cries of their people should do so patiently, because the people want attention to what they say even more than the accomplishing for which they came.”

Being there is a privilege bestowed on the leader never to be taken for granted.

There is a greeting among the people of Northern Natal in Africa when they meet someone, make eye contact and resolve to be present: “Sawu Bona – I see you.”

The reply is an equal commitment to attention and intention: “Sikhona – I am here.”

I see you. I am here.

These are perhaps the most important words we can live by for the men and women we have the privilege to lead.

Chuck Callahan Henry V 4.3 – Lead from the Front      https://henryv43.wordpress.com/