Executive Presence - What it Is and Why it Matters
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Executive Presence is key for each of us to function as adept leaders of ourselves, and as effective leaders in the workplace. Executive Presence is a blend of traits that signal heft, self-assurance, capability and authority. Core attributes include EXPERTISE many layers deep, POISE under pressure, DECISIVENESS, and well-considered ways of being.It’s not about being loudest, always right, or namedropping. It’s about cultivating genuine trust with people (not over people) and demonstrating emotional wisdom and calm regardless of setting or situation, and good news - Executive Presence can be developed.
Like any skill, cultivating Executive Presence requires a willingness to learn and improve. The process often includes developing selling and presentation skills, working toward personal development goals, and enlisting the help of a professional Coach or a mentor. The benefits of developing Executive Presence are high regardless of responsibilities or title however, as we are all Executives and leaders of one as well as others. Become a person who reliably and competently moves needles, people, and processes forward with integrity intact by honing your Executive Presence.
Cultivate Executive Presence
Developing our Executive Presence is a process that requires self-awareness, a willingness to change and learn, and ongoing effort and practice. The good news is, Executive Presence is not an elusive something available only to a few. Executive Presence is a set of traits and skills that can be developed and honed over time. To build Executive Presence:
1. Build & Telegraph Self-Assurance
Develop and signal self-assurance by building credibility first with yourself, then others. How so? Make a promise, then keep that promise. Make a promise - keep that promise.
2. Get Clear on Your Vision & Mission
Who and where do you aim to be in a year? Five years? And how will you serve others?
3. Become a Skilled Communicator
You may indeed be self-assured, have heft, and command of your domain many layers deep, but if you become tongue-tied when it’s time to pitch or transfer information, your knowledge and skill may remain locked up. Become a studied, compelling communicator.
4. Lead with Empathy
Leading with empathy is about acknowledging and learning from others’ perspectives, showing real interest in well-being, and offering support to those facing challenges. This helps build strong relationships and fosters a supportive work environment.
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To summarize, Executive Presence is not about playing a role, barking orders, namedropping or being someone you’re not. It’s about listening, communicating, influencing, and leading from a place of self-assurance, well-honed expertise, self-awareness and emotional wisdom. The bottom line is that if you want to fuel your career and personal development in a fresh and long-haul lasting way, work to develop your Executive Presence.
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