In 2014, Sylvia Ann Hewlett and her team huddled over an extensive collection of data drawn from 14 sectors of corporate America. The goal was to identify, at the corporate level, what Executive Presence really is and why we need it.
What the data reflected was that Executive Presence is not so much about performance. It’s not about what you do when ‘delivering the goods’ or ‘hitting the numbers’. It’s about what you signal.
Executive Presence or EP. What is it and where do I get some?
In the simplest terms, executive presence is about the ability to inspire confidence. It includes first impressions of appearance, interpersonal communication skills, and body language. Executive presence consists of effective listening, effectively maneuvering through office politics and exuding authentic charisma.
As a leader, you inspire confidence by showing that you are capable and reliable. Which is critical to being trustworthy of supporters. By contrast, inspiring confidence with your own superiors shows that you have the potential for greater achievements in career growth.
The 3 Main Pillars of Executive Presence
As part of the 2014 study, the group singled out 3 main traits associated with EP.
#1. Gravitas
Gravitas is the projection of credibility and assertiveness with the confidence to convey a clear message. In comparison, gravitas is the way of signaling impact in a compelling manner.
As an example, the study asked senior leaders who they saw as career role models. Significantly, the #1 role model identified was Nelson Mandala. A man that earned his placement through sincerity and understanding the power of symbolism. Nelson Mandala had gravitas in spades and showed it by routinely connecting at a very human level.
#2. Communication
Communication includes the ability to read an audience. To assess a complex situation and act accordingly. This is the ability to command a room. It’s what you say, when you say it, how you say it, and to whom you say it. Communication is also portrayed through the masterful use of body language and concise speaking skills.
These skills combined show you’re able to communicate the authority of a leader.
#3. Appearance
While the data showed appearance to be the smaller piece of the puzzle, it is still worth significant attention. Appearance is commonly referred to as “looking the part.”
By taking the time to look and feel your best, it shows consideration and respect toward the people you interact with. Appearance also includes dressing appropriately for the environment and occasion which in a corporate setting carries high-level importance.
Why You Need Executive Presence
Ultimately, executive presence determines whether you gain access to opportunity.
There’s a saying in leadership, “All the important decisions about you will be made when you’re not in the room.” It’s true. In particular, whether it’s a decision about an important opportunity, a promotion to a critical role or an assignment to a high-visibility project, it’s likely that you won’t be in the room.
Therefore, the opportunities you gain access to depend on the confidence you’ve already inspired in the decision-makers. Additionally, the more significant the opportunity, the more important executive presence becomes.
How To Build Your Executive Presence
As with any other skill, some people are naturally more gifted at executive presence than others. That being said, everyone can improve their EP with focus and practice.
Cultivate a foundation of quiet confidence.
At its core, executive presence is about confidence, yet “the more confidence the better” isn’t always the way. Presence is confidence without arrogance.
Sadly, confidence is often confused with cockiness however, the truly “present” executive is one who doesn’t need to trumpet his achievements. Instead, he or she has an internal resolve driven by a solid sense of self-worth. As a result, they have learned healthy, effective ways of dealing with challenges and relationships.
Key points to focus on while developing your own executive presence:
- Learn to operate effectively under stress.
- Become an excellent listener.
- Build your communication skills.
- Understand how others experience you.
- Have a vision, and articulate it well.
Most importantly, find your voice as an executive.
Identify your assets and leverage them to the max. Some people are naturally gregarious and can fill a room with their personality. Others rely on their listening ability, sense of timing, and ability to maintain their composure when others get emotional.
In an increasingly diverse world, executive presence will look very different from one executive to another. Just keep building the confidence of others that can step you up as a leader if and when times get tough.