PMcrunch

Much is demanded of us as project managers and leaders.  While it is important to be organized, to have an extensive project management toolset, and to be competent and knowledgeable at what we do, it is possibly most important to BE PRESENT.  What I mean by that is being there in the moment, or living in the now, informed by the past, and with a vision for the future.
Here are a few things for leaders to think about:

1. As human beings, we often walk into situations with preconceived notions.  And yet, as a leader, in order to give a problem or person your most powerful and creative attention, it’s critical to let go of any mental agendas, preconceptions, or other conscious distractions.  Yes, we need to have expectations, but we also need to expect the unexpected, and be open to possibilities perhaps beyond our imagination.
2. Think for a second about what you might have been thinking about in the car on the way to work – or somewhere else very recently while you were by yourself.  This is your “conversation” – thoughts flowing through your mind.  It just happens, and given time, can sort of “burn itself out”, leaving us fresh, like after a good night’s sleep.  This conversation or “noise” can potentially be a busy signal cutting you off from new possibilities that might be knocking at the door.  Managing the noise and developing a quiet mind – whether through exercise, engaging in a favorite activity, yoga, meditation - enables you to be receptive to what is happening in the present and tap into a fuller spectrum of ideas. 
3. When in conversation with someone, try to resist wanting to get some points across.  Practice clearing your mind and simply asking more questions, and listen to what happens. The situation will likely unfold better than it would have, had you focused just on getting your point across.  Likely to conversation will be more “engaging” – and of course that depends in part on the other person. 

In terms of self-will or conscious thought, “less is more” when the highest level of focus and creative leadership are required.  We know when we are there when we are confident that we have the past, present, and future in perspective.
____________________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online