On Presence

What places beckon presence for you? Painting by Ray Ellis.

We convince by our presence.

- Walt Whitman

Notions and Contemplations

Quantity vs. Quality

I’ve never quite taken to the word “leader.” In my younger years, it felt intimidating: a discriminating label reserved for the special few. These days, it seems everyone is a leader (unsavory characters included), ultimately diluting the potency of the moniker. 

Still, the practice of leadership–what it means to really lead–is a fascinating topic, perhaps even more so given the diversity of characters filed under “leader” in 2023. While there are hundreds (thousands!) of books on characteristics of extraordinary leadership (see my favorite subfields of Authentic Leadership and Adaptive Leadership), I’m most interested in what it means to be an everyday sorta leader. The kind of person who is admired not for the number of people following them, but for how they show up for the people around them. (Yes, I’m talking about you!)

The Heart of the Matter

Having worked with a slew of impressive humans over the last two decades, I’ve gathered some observations on the practice of leadership, and contrary to the aforementioned canon of scholarly research, I’ve started to think that it comes down to one foundational element: presence. 

What do I mean by presence? For a seemingly simple word, it is startlingly complex. Presence is the energy you bring into a space. It is your attention, attunement, and ability to synchronize ever-changing dynamics. It is staying grounded in your vision while also being responsive to that of others. It’s the feeling people have when you walk in a room–and when you leave it. 

To Thine Own Self Be True

Whether at home, on a factory floor, or in a boardroom, presence starts with knowing yourself. Understanding your strengths is the key to confidence. Appreciating your weaknesses is the key to humility. When confidence and humility come together in one person, energy shifts–for you and those around you. That kind of presence lays the foundation for other elements of effective leadership, like sound decision-making, effective communications, and empathic management. 

To be sure, some people seem like they’re born with presence. But I’d venture to say that even those folks have done some inner-exploration before showing up; which is to say, a cultivated intentional presence is accessible to each of us. Ultimately, when introspection meets vision:

• You get presence; 

• You get leadership; 

• And you probably get followers, too. 

I’m curious: have you ever considered your presence? What would it be like to gather your sense of self before you walk into (or log onto) a meeting? Are there leaders whose presence is particularly striking to you? Send me your thoughts!

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On My Kindle + Feed + Calendar

Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls.

Growing up in South Carolina, I learned a good bit about the Civil War. It wasn’t until I lived in Charleston as an adult, however, that I learned the story of one of the Palmetto State’s most extraordinary heroes. Robert Smalls was born into slavery in Beaufort, later freed himself by stealing a Confederate ship for the Union, and went on to be elected to the S.C. Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives. Thankfully, the Gaillard Center for the Performing Arts in Charleston is bringing Smalls’ remarkable story to the stage on October 6th and 7th in what is sure to be a powerful homage to one of South Carolina’s greatest leaders. Get your tickets here.

Wisdom-art for weary spirits.

I love all of Morgan Harpers Nichol’s wisdom-art (pictured here). This piece really resonates as we are continually called to be strong in the face of adversity and uncertainty. 

Seeking book recommendations!

My kindle is a bit of a mess right now, friends. I’m currently alternating between Einstein by Walter Isaacson (which I picked up after seeing Oppenheimer, whoah), The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, and The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. While I’m determined to finish all three sometime this decade, I’d be delighted to know what you’re reading this year. I promise to compile and share the list next month!