This is a topic that has come up regularly with my contacts in the last few months.
It’s a topic I find fascinating. Part art, part science, has a mythical quality and a dose of perception thrown in to boot 😊
So how do I define ‘Executive Presence’?
1) Confidence
This is a foundational element. It’s someone who is comfortable in their own skin, clear on their decision making process/framework, calm under pressure, measured and willing to take on evaluated risk.
It’s a confidence that comes from being clear on who they are, their identity and what they stand for.
A confidence often won through years of success and learning from failures.
They are comfortable with thoughtful disagreement and the best idea being the way forward.
They want to be surrounded by people who help them level up.
This confidence can also be seen in how they dress and move when they walk into a room. How they take up the space and make themselves ‘seen’.
There is a nuance and balance to be achieved here that they appreciate.
They are authentic and unapologetically themselves. Clear in their identity and core values. This authenticity builds trust and loyalty with those around them.
2) Communication Skills
Skilled and effective communication is key. This starts with listening. They are skilled and active listeners.
They are articulate speakers and storytellers who can paint the picture for their audience. They are inspiring and persuasive.
They tailor their communication to suit their audience, making complex concepts accessible and relatable. I often find they have the strong use of metaphors to illustrate their position and bring clarity.
In addition, they know how to dial up or down the temperature of the room based on what is required for the discussion. They do this via body language, tone, silence and great questions.
More often than not, they are not the first person to speak!
They communicate in a way that connects with others. This is the difference I see with those with Executive presence. It’s not about just facts, facts tell but stories sell. They know how to balance these skills to truly connect with their team.
3) Emotional Intelligence & Emotional Regulation
Leaders with executive presence possess high emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand and empathise with others' perspectives. They navigate conflicts with grace and tact, fostering positive relationships and a harmonious work environment.
They are present and prepared in stressful situations and calm regardless of circumstances. They know how to modulate their emotions and choose how they respond carefully.
EQ is a skill they are looking to always improve on.
The ability to regulate themselves also makes them extremely resilient and draws people to them.
They maintain composure during difficult times and exhibit a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.
4) Gravitas
Gravitas ties in with the above. It’s how they present, communicate, connect and show EQ with a dose of Charisma and knowing how to switch things on when necessary.
People with gravitas have an aura of seriousness and presence that commands attention and respect from those around them.
Gravitas is how you hold yourself in all situations and how you perform in the trenches, serving your people.
5) Understand Their Strengths (and its impact both ways)
Those with Executive Presence have a clear understanding of their strengths. They know what sets them apart from others and use this accordingly.
They are also aware of the negative of their strengths and how to tailor this. For example passion and energy can be seen as intimidating (to the wrong audience) or if not presented with the right way. Confidence can be seen as arrogance. Intelligence the need to always be right.
Executive Presence is an area where one can always develop, grow and enhance your abilities.
What are your thoughts on ‘Executive Presence’? What sets those apart that stand out in this area?
Share your thoughts and engage below.
#leadership #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment #executives #csuite #executivepresence #communication #morningswithMC
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