Robert Frost said it best when he said “Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length”. As much as we can focus on health and longevity, the time we will be in our mortal bodies is not within our control. What is within our control is the ability to maximize the present moment – that is the second dimension. Arguably, there is a third dimension (the multiverse), but we will leave that to Spiderman for now. If you aspire to be a great leader, you need to be present for your team. Being present allows you to provide encouragement, support, and positive energy. If you aren’t present, it can be discouraging to the team.

How to remain present:

• Maintain eye contact
• Listen as if you will need to repeat everything back
• Ask curious questions
• Don’t take notes
• Breathe slowly
• Resist the need to analyze or solve
• Embrace the opportunity to learn

Abraham Lincoln – And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.