What is leadership presence and how does one get it?

Leadership is the act of making connections between people, concepts, systems and or-ganizations to initiate positive change. Communication is what drives leadership and the ability to communicate stems from self and situational awareness.

Developing our leadership presence is how we connect with, and influence others to take positive action.

Because leadership presence begins with self and situational awareness, we must create stillness and quiet so that we can hear our inner voice when it gives us even the smallest signals or signs that tell us what our unique voice and way is. Creating stillness and space is different for everyone, for some it may be mediating, others walking, yoga or mediation, for some it may be taking a few minutes every day to reflect and write.

Cultivating empathy (for ourselves first and then for others) and vulnerability are essential to staying in our stillness long enough to receive/ hear our own voice. Greeting what emerges from the stillness and quiet with curiosity and inquiry help us to cultivate empa-thy and vulnerability.

When we create space and seek to understand our strengths and blind spots, face our fears, examine our values and beliefs, we find clarity. With clarity comes courage and confidence to communicate our story, reveal ourselves and connect authentically. What we give to ourselves we give to the world.