Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing.
Debbie Hall
Earlier this week I listened again to Debbie Hall’s brief essay “The Power of Presence”, part of the This I Believe collection which I return to often for inspiration and perspective. While Debbie’s essay speaks to the importance of presence in emotional/traumatic circumstances, her recognition of presence as a noun provides all of us with necessary wisdom.
It ‘s true that our lives are full to brimming. We are continually scrambling for more time. We work on the task in front of us while thinking about what’s next – and next – and next. No wonder a phone call is being labeled as “unwelcome interruption”, “annoying intrusion”or “irritating distrubance”. And yet …
When we allow ourselves to be fully present during a phone call, we create a level of human connection comparable only to the intimate one-on-one moments we so cherish with family, friends and loved ones.
Giving someone our presence, being fully with them … it is who we are, who we choose to be. And when we make this choice, phone conversations unfold, revealing information, possibility, opportunity.
And it’s easy to make a phone call distraction free – close your door, look away from your screen, shut your eyes if you need to and be present to your customer, your prospect, your funder. Answer your phone and simply be available. Allow yourself a few moments to stop doing. And you’ll discover … something amazing.
Enjoy your phone work everyone!