1. Presence

“My mind is always elsewhere,” said the Stag.

“Focus on the next thing,” said the Rat.

“Where else do you need to be other than here?” said the Wren.

“He needs to get back to work, help the others, improve his status,” said the Rat.

“I feel pulled,” said the Stag.

“Toward what?” said the Wren.

“Everything. Everyone.”

“And when you’re there — are you there?” said the Wren.

The Stag paused.

“No. I’m already thinking about the next place.”

“So where are you?” said the Wren.

“Nowhere.”

“That’s because you’re wasting time here,” said the Rat.

“Am I?” said the Stag.

“You have responsibilities,” said the Rat.

“I know,” said the Stag. “I always have responsibilities.”

“What would happen if you stayed here — just for now?” said the Wren.

“Everything would fall behind.”

“Is that true?” said the Wren.

The Stag looked at the River.

“No.”

Silence.

“I don’t need to be anywhere else right now,” said the Stag.

The River was present.

If you recognised something in this dialogue, you're not alone.

For leaders Some men travel to Prague to walk by the Vltava River for a day. No agenda. No framework. Just space to hear which voice is speaking. [Walk With Me →]

For organisations Presence Under Pressure is a workshop for senior leadership teams operating under sustained responsibility. Same four voices. Same eight conditions. Delivered inside your organisation. [Enquire →]