The Inner Dimension of Change

When I first named this approach, I talked about people, purpose, and process. It worked, but something was missing. Over time I realized that none of it really holds without presence.

Presence is how we show up. The quality of attention in the room. Whether we’re listening or just waiting for our turn to speak. Whether we’re grounded or scattered.

I’ve been in groups where everything looked right on paper.  The people were there, the purpose was clear, the process was strong. But it still fell flat because no one was fully in the room.

And I’ve seen the opposite. Messy purpose, shaky process, but people leaning in with honesty and attention. In those moments, trust grew, and trust carried us.

For me, presence has meant learning to notice my own state. My nervous system. My pace. Whether I’m pushing too hard or pulling back too far.

It also shows up collectively. Sometimes you can feel it: the room drops into a deeper kind of listening. The air changes.

Presence connects to pace. I often think of group work like a night hike without flashlights. You move slowly by listening and sensing. If you rush, you stumble. If you’re patient, the way forward appears.

I don’t always get this right. Sometimes I bring too much energy and overwhelm the room. Other times, I withdraw. Attending to presence means noticing that too, and adjusting.

When presence is here, the other Ps have life in them. People feel seen. Purpose feels real. Process feels organic. Without it, things become mechanical.

That’s why presence became the fourth P for me. It’s not extra. It’s the ground the others depend on.