Did you take the challenge?

Colleagues,

Yesterday I challenged you:
 
“Today, with at least three different people, use your presence and body language to convince them, while you are with them, that they are the single most important person in the world.”
 
If you took up this challenge, you may stop reading right now. Consider hitting this link to tell me how it felt.
 
If you didn’t take up the challenge, then why? 
 
Maybe you weren’t around anyone yesterday, in which case you get a pass.
 
If you were with people yesterday and you weren’t fully present with them, then why? I can think of three reasons:

1. You don’t think presence is that big a deal.
2. You were “too busy” and in a hurry.
3. You forgot to try and were being task focused.

 
Friday’s email will tackle number one.
 
Being too busy is an excuse. If you are with someone, then you might as well be fully present because:

• It is almost impossible to engage in two conversations at once (one with the person and one with yourself) and to have anything meaningful come of it. In trying to multi-task you actually accomplished less and wasted your time.
• If you are focusing hard on something else (how to respond to a difficult email) while you are with the person then you are damaging the relationship and undermining your own credibility as a leader.

 
Forgetting is the reality we live in. How can you do better at remembering?

• Make “presence” your one word for the next month
• Read my daily emails – seriously, they will help you to be intentional
• Put up this physical reminder somewhere 

 
Cheers!
 
Frederick