How easy it is for a leader’s mind to drift to the future or the past never enjoying or being fully present in what’s going on in the present.

In its simplest form, it probably happens when a listener is framing his/her own response while someone is sharing something with them in a conversation.  Consequently, the listener only partially hears what the speaker is trying to communicate.

At its most debilitating, it probably occurs when a leader has so much energy drained by worrying about what might happen tomorrow or regretting what happened yesterday that s/he isn’t effectively managing the present.

When a leader’s mind begins to drift towards the past or the future and s/he wishes it to remain fully in the present, the leader has the power to gently bring his/her mind back into the present.

A helpful tip shared with me is for the leader to begin paying attention to his/her breathing.  It works!  When I’m sitting across from my wife, and my mind begins to drift to thoughts of business, I turn my attention to my breathing.  As I slowly inhale and then exhale and become fully focused on that sensation, my mind moves back into the present and once again I’m engaged in the conversation with my wife.

Give it a try.  I think you’ll surprise yourself.

Categories: Emotional Composure, Empathy, Listening