“The core capacity needed for
accessing the field of the future is
presence. We first thought of presence as being fully conscious and
aware in the present moment. Then we began to appreciate presence
as deep listening, of being open beyond one’s preconceptions.”
— Peter Senge
Have you ever been accused of not listening or not being attentive? It
sounds something like this, “I never feel like you’re paying attention to
me,” or maybe, “I thought we discussed this yesterday...” The real
reason people don’t listen is that are not fully present; They are someplace
else.
It takes a lifetime to learn to become authentically present. It’s a personal
and professional pursuit based on truly knowing ourselves. Not
the surface, ego-self that operates on habitual patterns and limited
awareness. We need to know ourselves at a deeper level where our
genuine character resides.
When we know ourselves in this way we discover a true self that is not
bound and blocked from being authentically present. The “superficial
self” is too focused on self gratification or protection to be authentic. Our
true self is secure in knowing who we are, what we value and in having
a sense of purpose.
When we truly know ourselves we aren’t robots to our habitual patterns,
serving the surface needs and wants of our egos. We are at our best
because our true character shines through and serves as a guide for all to
see and follow.
The pursuit of noble goals and empathy make up the “Give Yourself”
portion of Emotional Intelligence. Empathy lets us listen without an
agenda, which allows us to see the situation for what it is. When we
practice empathy, we are available to give our full genuine attention
because we want to give of ourselves.
The Tibetan term for authentic presence literally
translates to “a field of
power.” When we’re with people who are authentically present we can feel
that power. It’s not the positional power of rank and authority, it’s the real
human power that influences and moves us. Are you ready, personally
and professionally, to let go of the performer playing to the gallery? Is it
time to become more authentic as a leader?
Our own experience is that learning about emotional
intelligence has been
a key step in developing the Glowan authentic presence.
About Glowan
The Glowan
Consulting Group was formed in 1993 on the premise that individuals and
organizations needed more than just pre-designed, prescripted
"training" to meet their human development goals. Organizations and
our societies are changing at a rate never seen before in our experience and we
need tools, techniques and support systems to meet those new challenges. Glowan
has been meeting those needs via our broad and deep offerings of Leadership and
Management Development Services and Products. Visit http://www.glowan.com for
more information.
