I had a boss who loved to claim the ability to multitask. She would continue to work, looking back and forth between me and her computer screen, occasionally grabbing a phone call or text, when I was in her office to ask a question or for a meeting.
Her behavior left me feeling unimportant, like a bother, and unsupported.
There may be a few humans who can, but most people can’t multitask. What your fantastic brain and nervous system can do is switch between tasks in rapid succession. You can mix automatic actions and focused tasks, but the physical reaction to unexpected events and human emotional connection are lost. Because when you are paying attention to one thing, you can attend to the other.
Thus, research shows that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving.
Further, task switching brought on by interruptions affects you throughout the day. The research of Gloria Mark, who studies digital distraction at the University of California, Irvine, reports that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to return to the original task after an interruption.
It’s time. Put down your phone. Stop trying to multitask. Don’t text when driving. Minimize distractions. These are the basics. Yet they’re not the focus of Be Fully Present. Leaders energize soulful engagement. I implore us to go deeper. Call forth your sovereign leader.
Soulful engagement is a result. A result that arises from previous seven behaviors; from holding ourselves accountable, bringing our whole self to life, making clear agreements, being willing to be uncomfortable, being open to feedback, knowing you are a work-in-progress, and advocating for others.
With these elements in the container, there will be a catalyst. A moment when vulnerability – yours or another’s, cracks the shell. If you coax it forth. Not scaring it away with words, advice, or solutions. Being fully present allows soulful engagement to emerge.
Pure human connection. Born of trust. Nurtured by presence. Fed by the belief that vulnerability, emotions, and shadows are not weakness or things to be exploited. This combination will allow you as a leader to do the most important thing – to walk side-by-side to lead another back to wholeness.
You are the sovereign. Each person can embody the sovereign archetype. And you possess, in your soul, the dignity to walk among kings and queens in full engagement. For this is the challenge to be met by courageous and authentic leaders.
Go Answer the Call
Matt
