Teamership: Presence
Maybe rather than having presence, leaders - and their teams - can be better served by being present. Photo by Sable Flow on Unsplash
Leadership Presence or Executive Presence feels like something that is important and valuable for leaders to strive for.
It’s something that isn’t just consultants who are trying to sell it talk about (although there is definitely a bit of that). Many of heavy hitters in the leadership space are also speaking about it - and selling programs on it. I’m referring to INSEAD, Monash, Melbourne Business School, Brown University and articles in Harvard Business Review.
I have been thinking a little bit about this recently as well.
There is a lot for leaders to get right and it can be overwhelming. Encouraging people to have a “presence” about their leadership might be useful. I also think that it risks encouraging leaders to think about style over substance. I’m not sure how many of our teams and organisations if more leaders are investing their energy, attention and time into having presence.
I am wondering if there is an opportunity to reflect on the presence part in the sense of being present.
Maybe rather than having presence, leaders - and their teams - can be better served by being present.
Leadership (as distinct from management) is most valuable:
In ambiguity, not when answers are known or certain.
When we need empowered execution, not just instruction followers.
If we are faced by situations that don’t have an established best practice to execute on.
To drive collaboration and not just co-operation.
When performance is more important than power or policies.
All of these scenarios are supported by leaders being present. Present to the situation that they are in. Present with their teams. Present with their own thinking and emotions.
Here are a few things to consider this week:
What are your thoughts on how important “executive presence” is?
How have you been present in your teams this week?
How would you like to be present in your teams next week?