Fully Present: someone who does the spiritual work of calming his or her inner core in order to be inspiring when leading others. 

"I have a mid-year review tomorrow," said Johnny. "I'm going to give my boss five reasons to promote me immediately. If he doesn't give in, I'm going to threaten to quit. Can I rehearse with you?"

"Hold on Johnny," I countered. "Why do you think he will want to listen to you?" 

"I dunno. I just need the promotion."

"If you don't do the work of preparing yourself to listen, of being fully present for him and what he wants, you risk a lot. By pushing your own demands he may get defensive. You give him every reason not to promote you."

"So how do I get fully present?"

(This is the start of a real coaching conversation! The rest of it is available as a 7-minute podcast here.)

There's a great payback from doing spiritual work in our job. It boosts our connections to new levels.  When you engage someone with a fully present attitude, he or she likes it and responds by being more willing to be fully present with you in return. And you sense that and feel more encouraged on your part. Together you ascend the powerful spiral of meaningful communication.

Fully Absent: Only present for ourselves and what we can get.

How would it feel for you to know that you have a really deep understanding with those you work with? Which will you be this week as you meet people? Present or Absent?

Stephen
ANE = Calm, Confident, Connected Leadership

PS: NJ/PA members. Register here for our Aug 23rd 6:30 Dinner evening on Spiritual Sustainability at work. $55. Lambertville Station. Great Speaker.