Being present is both an art and a science.
While speaking at an ILA convention in San Diego, I had the privilege of hearing Otto Scharmer present his Theory U and how “presencing” or intentional stillness helps collective relationships better understand each other. I would like to share my experience when I was doing some humanitarian aid in Tanzania (Dentists Without Borders), we had seen over fifty patients and I went outside for a breather. I saw some children in their school uniforms and said to myself, “I want to communicate with these kids but I don’t know how”. They didn’t speak French or English and I had only limited Swahili sentences.
With the intention of communicating, I proceeded downstairs and sat down in the grass and motioned them to come sit with me. At that precise moment, I looked around and had the insight to lift my arm up and pointed to an electrical wire that a few birds were on. I started whistling short sounds and the kids started imitating me. We laughed, we whistled, we smiled and bonded. Words weren’t necessary!
Luckily for me, a few minutes later, one of the dentists came out, saw us and snapped this picture.
Presencing is a gift you give others to show you care, it’s joyful, soulful and priceless!
Kathleen Sears – Business Coach (CHRP)
Kathleen coaches Executives and Managers on their leadership and communication ABILITIES, so that their teams become remarkably productive in providing high quality outcomes, so that the executives have the freedom to work on strategy and not micromanaging their teams.