I read this recently:
Anna Deavere Smith, consummate actor and activist, was speaking about physical aura, that is, presence. She was relaying a story about a humble man, still touchingly capable of awe in what she called “the presence of presence.”
Ms. Deveare Smith goes on to say: “presence doesn’t have to do with likeability…Often people who have presence know that you are there before you know they are there.” This is a perfect description of charismatic human presence.”
It reminds me of a time when I was leaving a client engagement at a leading bank. I got out of the elevator and into their vast lobby, walking toward the exit of the building with one of my clients. All of a sudden I stopped and said, “Wait. Mike is here.” I couldn’t see this senior leader who I’ve coached. Yet, I could feel his presence. I looked around and lo and behold, Mike was standing there with his back to me speaking with members from his team. I greeted him and went on my way. Whoa. Felt presence.
Mike seemed to naturally have it. Or he cultivated it.
We can create our physical aura – our presence of presence with the right skills.
As leaders, being aware that we can project our positive energy in such a way that it is felt by others is how we are seen for our leadership presence.
