ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evasive and somewhat mysterious connotations surrounding the word "presence" before providing a gestalt based view of presence as "energetic availability and fluid responsiveness". This definition clearly positions presence as a relational process, one that is strongly situated and takes place through connection and relationship rather than just an acquired skill or attribute. What is meant by "relational" in this context will also be explained and links made between a relational orientation and an ethical presence. The chapter provides a conceptual framework which attempts to unravel the self-dimensions of "being present" into five key attitudes and skills. The word "relational" is increasingly widely used in organisational development (OD), psychotherapy, coaching, leadership as well as in everyday conversation. Viewing presence as embedded in and dependent on culture and context is also useful. This moves leders away from picturing set attributes of presence across cultures.
