The Power of Presence: How to lead without saying a word

“We can do more good by being good, than in any other way.”

– Rowland Hill

On my way to an appointment the other day, I made a right turn and couldn’t help but notice the expressions of people in each of the cars in line waiting to turn left.

One woman’s face was forlorn and her head drooped over the steering wheel. The car behind her contained a woman whose smile and upward glance beamed joy and anticipation. The face of the man in the car after her looked like a clenched fist and his shoulders were scrunched up next to his ears. His free hand clutched a blackberry, onto which his eyes were glued.

I smiled as I realized that I could relate to each of these people.

I have worn all their various expressions and postures at one time or another. And it occurred to me that I could wear any of their countenances as the day progressed. Which would I choose? The answer to that question could very well have determined the quality of my entire day, and could also quite likely have impacted those around me as well.

Every once in a while when I go out running I see a little old man riding a beach cruiser.

In the dawn hours, as the sun begins to peek above the horizon, the light glistens across his handlebars. He is a fairly round man with fuzzy white hair and bright blue eyes. He pedals so slowly that it is a wonder he and his bicycle don’t just fall over. But what is most striking about him is that he is always smiling.

Every time I see this man, rain or shine, he seems to have something to be happy about.

And his smile isn’t just the polite grin that people often quickly exchange as they enter each other’s space. It is the kind that comes from a deep contentment and wonderment with life. The little light on his bicycle shines brightly at the crack of dawn, but the glow around him is even more radiant. I find myself hoping to see him on my morning runs and experiencing waves of joy and delight every time I do – feeling lighter and happier just for having crossed his path. His presence alone is truly inspiring.

I think radiating a positive presence is essential to being a leader. And to have this kind of influence and effect on others, you don’t have to have a fancy title, a bunch of people reporting to you, or even work in an organization at all. People pick up, consciously and subconsciously on the energy we emanate – and for better or worse, those we spend a lot of time around will often align themselves with it.

True leaders – in any vocation – are conscious of their presence and the tone it sets. They use it to uplift and inspire others, perceiving the brilliance of everyone and everything around them and graciously reflecting it back.
I wonder whether that sweet little man on the beach cruiser has any idea of how profoundly he has impacted me. And I wonder if you realize the effect you can have on the lives of everyone around you as well… maybe without even having to say a word.