Leadership. Are you really there?

I’ve been enjoying some fine weather and sitting in the garden. Usually when I’m in the garden I’m distracted by something. Maybe I’m writing, playing, cooking, or even occasionally, gardening. But this weekend, I’ve spent some time sitting there. Really being there. As a result I began to notice things, see thing a little differently. I made three new friends.

Inachis io, aka Peacock
Celastrina argiolus, aka Holly Blue
Anthocharis cardamines, aka Orange Tip

Two of these butterflies, the Holly Blue and Orange Tip are tiny. I wouldn’t normally spot them, let alone take the time to identify and photograph them. I’m glad I did. My heightened awareness over just a brief period has increased my enjoyment of the garden and what it has to offer. I’m glad I spent time, just being there.

Too often I see people in meetings, in conversation, or listening. But they’re not really there. Their mind is on where they are going next, what they are going to say next. They are not in the moment. And it shows. You know when you’ve spent time with someone who is only there in body, and it’s not very engaging. It’s not good leadership. Two of the useful leadership qualities observed by Jonathan Wilson are:

Leaders learn to listen extraordinarily well with genuine interest and respect.
Leaders engender a sustained sense of enthusiasm and make people feel they are very important.

You can only practice these qualities, by being there. Your presence isn’t enough. Be there. Be aware.

Links to the butterfly photos here http://stopdoingdumbthingstocustomers.com/leadership/leadership-are-you-really-there/