Oprah’s got it. Mel Robbins. Les Brown. Madonna. Tony Robbins. Beyonce.
There are just those people who have it – presence.
But do you want to hear a secret? Even if you don’t have it yet, you can develop and cultivate presence.
Executive presence is something you can build over time with the right strategies and tools. Here are a few helpful tips to help you amp up your executive presence and persuasive leadership chops, so you can own the stage, the boardroom, or the corner office. Queen, you’ve got this!
What is executive presence and influence?
It’s like having the superpower of persuasion and the ability to command a room all at once. It’s the way you walk, talk, and carry yourself – that “it” factor that makes people take notice and want
to listen to what you have to say. Everyone can see it- your authenticity, your swag. Girl, you’ve got to own the unique characteristics that make you, you! When you’ve got executive presence and influence, people just naturally trust and respect you, and it opens up all sorts of opportunities for you to make big things happen. It’s the secret sauce to success in the corporate world, and once you’ve got it, there’s no stopping you!
Why does executive presence matter?
Great question! Executive presence matters because it’s a key factor in a leader’s ability to inspire and influence others. It encompasses the way a leader carry themselves, communicates, and presents themselves to others. A CEO with a strong executive presence can inspire confidence in the team, build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and effectively communicate their vision and goals. It’s an essential element in achieving success in the workplace and can greatly impact one’s career growth and advancement opportunities.
There are many leaders who are good examples of executive presence, each for their own unique reasons. For example,
- Oprah Winfrey: Oprah has a powerful presence and is known for her authenticity and ability to connect with people. She is a skilled communicator and uses her platform to inspire and motivate others.
- Barack Obama: President Obama was known for his calm and collected demeanor, even in the face of adversity. He was able to inspire and motivate people through his powerful speeches and strong leadership skills.
- Indra Nooyi: Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to connect with people. She is a skilled communicator and is able to inspire and motivate her team to achieve great things.
- Satya Nadella: Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is known for his calm and collected demeanor, even in the face of adversity. He is a skilled communicator and has helped transform Microsoft into a more innovative and inclusive company.
- Angela Merkel: Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to navigate complex political situations. She is a skilled communicator and has been able to build strong relationships with other world leaders.
These leaders are examples of executive presence because they possess qualities such as authenticity, strong communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They are able to navigate complex situations with ease and build strong relationships with others, which is key to success in leadership positions.
Ready to develop your own Executive Presence superpower and lead your company?
The 7 C’s of Executive Presence
Ready for the secret sauce that differentiates you from your competitors? Get your highlighter ready…
- Confidence – oooh yeah, you’ve got to strut your stuff and show that you’ve got what it takes. This means you need to believe in yourself – It all starts with self-confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t be able to get others to follow your ideas and direction. Believe in your capabilities and trust that you are the right person for the job.
- Clarity – no beating around the bush or playing games, just clear and direct communication. When speaking with clients or colleagues, make sure to stand tall, maintain good eye contact, and speak clearly. This will help you project an air of confidence that will help you get others to take notice.
- Composure – keeping your cool under pressure, like a boss.
- Connection – building those relationships and making those meaningful connections that lead to success. Establishing strong relationships with colleagues is key for being a successful executive. Show genuine interest in others and invest time in getting to know them better. Doing so will help you create trust and build a supportive network of contacts who can help you reach your goals.
- Charisma – bring that charm and energy that makes people want to be around you. Asking questions shows that you are curious and engaged in the conversation, as well as open to learning from others. This is an important executive presence skill that can help you gain respect in the workplace.
- Credibility – backing up your talk with that solid track record of results. For example, when I worked in the role of… (Mimi add story)
- Cultural Competence – being aware and respectful of different cultures and backgrounds. Being a leader is not just about having your voice heard. It’s also important to listen actively to what other people have to say in order to understand their point of view and create real connections with them.
Five Ways To Optimize Your Leadership or Executive Presence.
Now that you know what Executive Presence is, are you ready to optimize it and take it to the next level? Here are 5 ways to optimize your leadership or executive presence:
- Develop self-awareness: Take time to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on developing your emotional intelligence.
- Communicate effectively: Speak clearly and confidently, listen actively, and be respectful in your interactions with others.
- Dress for success: Pay attention to your appearance and make sure it aligns with your personal brand and the expectations of your industry or organization.
- Build relationships: Take the time to build positive relationships with your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Be approachable, empathetic, and supportive.
- Continuously learn and grow: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in your field, seek out professional development opportunities, and continually work to improve your skills and knowledge.
Can you feel your belief in yourself swelling already as you read these? I would love to hear how you are intentionally developing Executive Presence into your leader toolbox, so drop me a line below or comment and tag me on Insta with #ExecutiveQueen.
Amping up executive presence is an important part of success for women in leadership roles. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking charge and making an impact in the workplace. Good luck!