Have you ever been around someone who has a sense of presence about them?
I’m presently finishing up a manuscript on the leadership practices of St. Patrick. In researching this, I came across a story about Patrick where a historian from the fifth century observed a certain presence about Patrick. When Patrick entered a room in the king’s court he effortlessly commands attention, respect, and influence. This captivating brand of leadership combines warmth, intelligence, and accessibility; all wrapped up often with wit and humour.
People with presence catch your attention. Once, I was at a house party and encountered a person like I am describing, and I was curious to know if and where she was leading. It turned out she was an international leader for a very well-known Christian ministry. I knew it! Leadership poured from her. Conversational language is like her superpower. She didn’t rely upon or hide behind jargon or technical terms; instead, she spoke in a way that felt like a friendly conversation. Her words flowed effortlessly, making everyone feel included, valued, and understood. Her tone was approachable, welcoming everyone to be part of something bigger than themselves.
When mentoring leaders, I long to help them understand the importance of presence. To break it down, I have a list of ten traits that men and women leaders can be coached to improve in.
Leaders with a Magnetic Presence have:
- Confidence: A leader with a presence exudes confidence in their abilities, decisions, and vision. They have a strong belief in themselves and inspire others to believe in their leadership.
- Authenticity: They are true to themselves and their values. Their authenticity shines through in their words and actions, which fosters trust and loyalty among their team.
- Charisma: A leader with presence possesses a magnetic charm that draws people in. They have an engaging and compelling personality that makes others want to follow them.
- Communication Skills: They are effective communicators who articulate their thoughts clearly and inspire others through their words. They possess active listening skills and are attentive to the needs and perspectives of their team members.
- Emotional Intelligence: A leader with presence understands and manages their own emotions well, as well as the emotions of others. They are empathetic, able to connect with their team emotionally and create a positive and supportive environment.
- Decisiveness: They make decisions confidently and show conviction in their choices. Their decisiveness instills trust and provides direction to their team.
- Poise and Composure: A leader with presence remains composed, even in challenging situations. They handle stress and pressure with grace, inspiring confidence in their team.
- Visionary: They have a clear vision for the future and can effectively communicate it to their team. Their vision inspires and motivates others to work towards a common goal.
- Inspiring and Motivating: They inspire and motivate their team by setting high standards, leading by example, and recognizing the achievements of others.
- Strong Presence: A leader with presence has a physical and mental presence that commands attention. They have a commanding presence in the room and can make others feel heard and valued.
