03 February 2020
“It’s not about the number of hours you practice, it’s about the number of hours your mind is present during the practice.” – Kobe Bryant
The sports world shockwave from the tragic death of nine persons in Calabasas, CA, including basketball star, Kobe Bryant, touched more than just sports fans. There is a tremendous overlap of what business leaders can learn from sports and sports athletes can learn from business. Sports coaches live a bit in both world, but as leaders they are leading a business.
Being present is a vital component of executive presence. It’s a core piece of practice that leads to excellence and mastery in performance. Meaningless motion will not lead to success in what you pursue.
Being present means listening to hear rather than listening to respond.
Being present refers to thinking about what you are doing rather than what you did or will do. Your mind is in the present. It doesn’t mean you won’t anticipate and be prepared, and you certainly can learn, but your focus is here and now.
Leaders who are present are curious in their attention to others. It might be called empathy, this being present thing, communicating real care to the one you stand next to or in front of.
Present leaders don’t have to respond every time someone says something. These leaders do not have to speak into every situation. Present leaders make things about the people around them rather than their need to say words, which are all about the person speaking.
How do you grow your ability to be present?
A simple discipline practiced over time will increase your self-awareness which is required for being present. You must know when you are not present in order to make the decision to be present.
Breathe. The one who controls their breathing controls their brain. It’s scientifically proven. Sitting or lying down, spend 5 minutes every day or multiples times a day and breathe, deeply, slowly. While you are breathing, notice everything that happens, to every limb, every muscle. By training your brain to pay attention in this way, you will begin to control your presence in leadership.
I know it works because it works for me. I know it works because of the testimony of clients who follow it.