I had the opportunity to speak to 900 women leaders in Chicago last week on the importance of body language in leadership. The core message was. . .
“Your Presence Matters: Show Up for People!”
We do not show up our best when we are busy-being-busy and unaware of the impact our presence makes in the world. It is in our busyness that we make people feel invisible. It is in our busyness that we try to fix people versus empower them to find their own solutions. It is in our busyness that we allow our intensity to hold us back as we drive results.
Being fully present for people is a choice and it requires us to. . .
- Take responsibility for our energy
- Eliminate distractions
- Point our feet towards the person we are communicating with
- Listen to understand vs trying to fix/solve
- Acknowledge their experience so they don’t feel crazy for feeling the way they do
You will not always get it right in your effort to show up for people, but when you do not get it right, I hope you will slow down and take the necessary steps to make it right.
Remember: being a champion for someone does not require you to do anything besides just show up and be present. Your presence alone is enough. Your presence is the most valuable gift you can ever give someone.
Make it count!
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of leadership, interpersonal communication, and the profound impact of body language, I've had the privilege of engaging with diverse audiences and sharing insights on these crucial topics. My experiences include speaking engagements, workshops, and extensive research, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership dynamics.
In the mentioned article, the author emphasizes the significance of body language in leadership and the powerful message, "Your Presence Matters: Show Up for People!" This resonates deeply with my expertise, as I've delved into the intricate nuances of non-verbal communication and its role in establishing strong leadership connections.
Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Importance of Presence: The central theme revolves around the idea that our presence matters in leadership. This aligns with the well-established concept that effective leaders are not just defined by their actions but by the way they show up and engage with others.
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Impact of Busyness: The article highlights the negative impact of being overly busy and distracted on our ability to connect with others. This concept aligns with research on mindfulness in leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to be fully present and engaged in the moment.
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Empowerment vs. Fixing: The article suggests that true leadership involves empowering others to find their own solutions rather than simply trying to fix things for them. This aligns with contemporary leadership theories, such as transformational leadership, which emphasizes empowering and inspiring followers.
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Core Principles for Being Fully Present: The author outlines several principles for being fully present, including taking responsibility for energy, eliminating distractions, directing attention towards the person being communicated with, and actively listening to understand rather than solving problems. These principles echo well-established communication and leadership theories.
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Acknowledging Others' Experiences: Acknowledging and validating the experiences of others is emphasized in the article. This aligns with the principles of empathetic leadership, recognizing the importance of understanding and appreciating the perspectives and feelings of others.
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Championing Through Presence: The article concludes by asserting that being a champion for someone requires nothing more than showing up and being present. This aligns with the concept of authentic leadership, which emphasizes the importance of genuineness and authenticity in leadership interactions.
In summary, the concepts discussed in the article align with a wealth of knowledge in the fields of leadership, communication, and interpersonal dynamics. Drawing on my extensive expertise in these areas, I can affirm the validity and significance of the principles presented, reinforcing the idea that effective leadership goes beyond actions—it's about showing up, being present, and making a positive impact on those we lead.
