In our last blog post, we talked about what Presence means in today’s virtual environment. We demonstrated how Presence is much more than just dress and grooming, and how it can be developed over time. But today we want to take you one step further. Here’s the key that many of us forget: Presence is not about YOU. It’s about your team, your audience.
Without a grounding in the true purpose of Presence, it can feel self-focused, almost egotistical. But we have to remember the bigger picture. Presence is not about self-improvement but rather about answering the question, What do others need to see and hear from me to have confidence moving forward?
We also want to remind you that Presence is not about projecting some fake or curated version of yourself. Presence should be an authentic representation of your best self. In developing Presence, you are taking steps to present your best self in that moment, with the purpose of benefiting others.
So how does your Presence positively impact others? Here are three key ways showing up for others makes a difference in the workplace:
- Emotional maturity invites productive conflict
Productive conflict is the open exchange of differing ideas, where each side feels heard and respected, and are moving towards the goal of resolution. (Learn more about productive conflict here). If your team knows you don’t handle conflict well, they may not engage in productive conflict in the team setting. You are missing different perspectives. The team is working toward your goals instead of a shared goal.
Developing Presence and inviting productive conflict helps strengthen your team. You welcome dialogue and discussion and questions, because it can bring a different lens to view what you’re working on to make sure you have the best solution moving forward.
- Confidence inspires confidence
It doesn’t matter what level you are in an organization; you need to confidently communicate where you’re going, align with others, and inspire your teams. Presence allows you to focus on your audience and express confidence in them.
The emotional maturity above also plays into confidence. Your team values the fact that you welcome dialogue, discussion, and questions. This helps them buy-in to your vision and collaborate to find the best solution moving forward. Our teams tend to be more successful when we know our leader has confidence in us, especially during change and difficult projects.
- Skillful communication demonstrates value to the listener
No matter your role at an organization, you can be a servant leader. John Maxwell describes servant leadership as simply “serving others first, before yourself.”[1] Presence is one way to serve others before yourself, showing others how they bring value to the organization. When you exercise Presence, you are being fully present in that moment, meeting, or conversation. You are able to read the emotion in the room and address concerns, offer encouragement, and set vision appropriately.
Leaders who have Presence tend to have a focus on others. They bring others along. If a team member feels like they are not seen and heard, they become disheartened. They lose trust. Presence builds trust and demonstrates that you value your listeners, strengthening the entire team.
Are you ready to learn more about Presence and how it can positively impact you and your team? Inquire today about our Presence programs, which can be custom-tailored to your organization, and Executive Coaching for individual leaders. It’s time to invest in your Presence in order to strengthen your team. Lead to the Max!®
[1] https://johnmaxwellteam.com/the-heart-of-leadership/