Executive and Leadership Presence begins with your ability to focus and be fully present.

That’s harder than ever. With so much competing for our attention—our ability to engage, listen, and hold meaningful conversations has been compromised.

Research…A Harvard study found…our minds wander almost half of everyday. Autopilot is fine for routine tasks, but when it becomes the norm, it undermines both engagement and happiness. People who struggle to stay present feel less satisfied and more disconnected.

To counter this, start by noticing when your mind drifts. Then ask: Is this affecting my ability to concentrate, connect or communicate? If so, you might want to consider the practice of becoming more present. I can send you a brief audio to help get you going with that…. Just message me.

Presence is the foundation of Executive Presence—at every stage of your career. It’s a skill you can strengthen…even in this distracted world…with practice and over time.

As Matt Poepsel and I dig in today…and a little about his book… Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for the New World of Work…

When it comes to Leading YOURSELF, Matt says…

· For many leaders, self-awareness is quite anemic

· He also recommends the art of self-acceptance. Embrace your limitations to deepen your leadership

· Becoming internally aware rather than externally helps you avoid being a ‘Pleaser’

On…Leading OTHERS Matt recommends…

· Encourage creativity and strike a balance with feasibility

· Senior leaders today must make top-down investments to promote employee wellness is no longer just an option…

· A weak culture produces flimsy bonds; a strong one acquires best talent who wants to stay. And lead.

Matt Poepsel, PhD

Website: http://mattpoepsel.com

Matt in Action: http://mattpoepsel.com/speak

iVoice Communication, Inc.

https://www.ivoicecommunication.com/

James Clear, Atomic Habits:

https://jamesclear.com/

Matt Poepsel, PhD is the author of Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work and host of the Lead the People podcast. He serves as Vice President & Godfather of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index. He holds a PhD in Psychology, an MBA, and a Harvard Business School Certificate of Management Excellence.

Matt is a part-time faculty member at Boston College where he teaches in the areas of leadership, human resources, and business spirituality. He’s a coach to executive teams as well as a board member for the Cape Cod Human Resources Association (CCHRA). Matt is a US Marine, an Ironman triathlon finisher, and a student of Buddhist philosophy.

iVoice Communication, Inc. is a company dedicated to developing confident speakers, successful interpersonal communicators and healthy human connections through effective communication. We work with individuals and companies who understand the power of people. As people expand, business expands.

Deep breathing while recognizing and regulating stress is not a silver bullet but it's crucial in our overloaded business world. Consider the following 3 steps a few times a day to clear your mind and open your cognitive capacity:

1. Loosen up and stretch as you notice your stress level and how you're feeling (is stress low, medium or high?).

2. Turn your attention inward and focus on some deep breathing. When the mind wanders (it will), redirect attention inward (to build that mindful muscle).

3. Notice if you're feeling any differently after you increase your oxygen intake.

This can be done between meetings, before a stressful conversation/presentation, and occasionally throughout the workday. 'Small moments with lots of oxygen' is a great habit to build.

This exercise does not take the place of medical advice. It's practical, will help you maintain energy, in addition to recognizing and regulating your stress.

It's my hope you listen to the audio a few times then do this on your own. And pay it forward.