Top 3 Pillars of Executive Presence

Let’s begin with the understanding of what Executive Presence is.

Executive presence is the ability to project confidence, composure, and credibility so that others trust your judgment and leadership. It is not just a job title or a loud personality. Instead, it is a blend of behaviors and communication skills that show you are ready to guide others, especially under pressure.

At its foundation is “gravitas”. Do you, and can you command respect? How do we establish gravitas?

1. COMMUNICATION

   There are multiple aspects of communication that either promote or negate Executive Presence. Here are the most significant.

   • Do you speak clearly (pronunciation, appropriate volume, tone). You need to have conviction, minimizing hesitation

   • Do you possess the vocabulary/knowledge that fits the part and the responsibility to show confidence? Executive Presence is in big part about showing you belong to build trust.

   • Are you communicating strong strategic thinking skills that team members are willing to listen to and follow?

   • Are you composed in your body language and appearance?

   • Can you read the room and adapt?

   • Can you tell compelling and relevant stories? This is a highly underestimated skill to work on. Stories touch our hearts which drives behavior and choices.

   • Can you make complex ideas understandable? If you can simplify a concept it means you grasp its essence. This inspires confidence.

2. CONNECTION

   Are you personable (human) in your leadership? Executive Presence is not about intimidation. It’s about relatability with authority.

   • Emotional Intelligence will help you bridge this delicate gap. EQ is about understanding your own emotions and impact there of, all the while feeling the pulse of the room and adapting.

   • Executive Presence is about elevating others making them feel confident in their own work and decisions. Belittling and undermine is bullying and the complete opposite of Executive Presence. Many leaders rely on fear and intimidation which will not optimize team moral. Fear offers a short-term impact, but breeds resentment which overtime leads to quiet quitting etc.

   • Are you a good listener? Meaning, do you take the time to understand others, basing decisions and the information that was shared rather than an ego-driven approach to leadership based on dominance?

   • If you are not necessarily likable, are you relatable and most importantly, trustable.

3. AUTHENTICITY

   Just like every great brand, are you what you say you are because perception drives brand value and strength.

   • Being consistent is probably the best way to demonstrate authenticity.

   • Are you true to your word and do your actions and words align?

   • Do you embody your core values?

     As a result of Executive Presence leadership turns into your ability to INSPIRE rather than persuade.

     If you’d like to work on Executive Presence for yourself or for you leadership team, contact us today to book our Leadership Training.

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGE Teams 360