What's Old is New Again

As I've been building and refining leadership development content for a client recently, I've been spending time exploring old and new research on 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

It reminds me that many "new" ideas aren't really new at all.

Nearly 100 years ago, Dale Carnegie taught the importance of building relationships, showing genuine interest in others, and earning trust. In 2012, Olivia Fox Cabane described charisma as a combination of 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘁𝗵.

In my coaching conversations, presence is often a development focus. Leaders are knowledgeable and capable, but they admit they are distracted, rushed, or thinking about what they'll say next instead of fully focusing on the person in front of them.

Whether in a conference room or on a video call, the leaders who stand out aren't always the smartest or most experienced. They're the ones who make others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Here's a simple challenge for you this week:

Choose one conversation and practice being 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁. Put away distractions. Listen longer than feels comfortable. Ask questions to fully understand before responding.

You may be surprised by the impact.

Some leadership lessons never go out of style. Presence may be one of the most important.