These four words, “observe, discover, intent, produce”, capture the essence of leading educators and business leaders who are lauded for their creative leadership. Peter Senge defined this process as characteristics for his U Model (presencing, sensing and realizing). Important to note is the critical attitude, skill and behavior is being present, for without that, you ‘seeing’ is always compromised by habitual ways of being and thinking. And being present is the foundation of Aesthetic Intelligence. How can you tell if you are ‘really present’? You can figure out the answer by asking some of the following questions: Do you leave conversations surprised? Do you leave conversations energized? Do others leave conversation with you energized? These are just a few of the items on the Aesthetic Intelligence assessment that illuminate just how present we are in any interaction. If you answer these questions infrequently, then you are likely not very present. To be present is to be deeply aware and listening, a state when we have suspended our routine thoughts and allow for the emergent. The emergent is the source of surprise, energy and creativity. A state of inquiry, not advocacy or defense. Alan Webber, founder of Fast Company said: “A visual representation of my experience would look like a semi-permeable membrane that keeps accepting signals. Stuff comes through and stuff goes back out, and there’s a constant dialogue with your environment. I f you’re open in relation to your idea, the universe will help you”. Two of the oldest activities in mankind is science and art and both are dedicating to investigating reality. More of both in business would be an asset. How present are you? How do you know?