What Is Executive Presence And How To Build It
Every woman faces the challenge of proving her worth. Either as an entrepreneur or as a career builder. To her clients, employees, coworkers, bosses, and even herself. It is possible for everything to be in order, but the minor details we overlook undermine all of our efforts. These details are part of what we call ‘Executive Presence.’ What is it and how can it make or break a woman’s effort?
What is Executive Presence?
Executive Presence is the ability to motivate others to act or be proactive after witnessing a consistent display of competence or leadership. It is the ability to leave core values on others or influence others. It is your charisma and personal characteristics combined to position you for dynamic leadership.
Being able to withstand pressure without cracking, projecting confidence, having charisma, an excellent reputation, and well developed emotional intelligence are all characteristics of Executive Presence. Executive presence is a necessary component of leadership. It is a skill that can be developed, learned, and built upon.
How to build Executive Presence.
Perception: It all begins with how you perceive yourself before it moves on to how others perceive you. It is a projection and the ability to persuade others to believe in you, your abilities, and your leadership. It’s called natural gravitation. As a result, if you don’t trust yourself to lead, you won’t get the vibe from others.
Have a strong point of view. As an executive, you will be entrusted with making decisions that will affect others, your business, or your company. You cannot be caught in a situation in which you have no control over your mind or are on multiple sides of the divide. Have a point of view, take a stand, and don’t back down from your beliefs. Sometimes, you may need to take your time. Do so, but don’t be passive.
Show commitment. Demonstrate commitment. Take responsibility for your words. Building Executive Presence entails making every word count. Do not state what is beyond your capabilities or what you can handle. This is how you establish trust, show up, and show commitment. Learn not to cancel at the last minute. Also, if others are afraid and you know this is the right step to take, don’t wait or follow the herd.
Increase your confidence. A good leader must be self-confident. It is how you persuade others to believe in you and your abilities. As a result, exude confidence, particularly through your body language. Understand when to look people in the eyes. Be composed and well-mannered. Know how to walk into an office, boardroom, or across the hall with your shoulders high and a smile on your face. Do not be afraid. Maintain your composure amid pressure.
Hold valid conversations. Having a flair for oration, knowing when to speak, what to say, and when to use silence will all play a significant role in developing your Executive Presence. Be an excellent storyteller. Let others speak first, and then you can take the lead. Take it a step further by getting to know the people and situations involved before the conversation begins. This allows you to maintain control over what you say and where you do not stray. It generates key points for a roundtable discussion or a presentation you must give. Being prepared prevents stuttering and the use of hedges and fillers during your conversation. This shows knowledge and confidence.
Dress the part. We are considering appearance last because developing Executive Presence will require a mindset shift and may have less to do with appearance. At the same time, don’t dress shabbily. Women will always be criticized whether they are underdressed or overdressed; the best bet is to portray excellence. Keep in mind that Executive Presence is a projection, and how you dress should reflect that. Dress according to industry standards, but make a statement to be remembered. The dress will undoubtedly tell a story for the office, a work event, or an evening dinner.
Monitor the impact you’re having. Take your time to review everything you do critically. Find out what works and what doesn’t. Determine whether your presence affects your ability to advance to the next level; this will allow you to know when you need to improve and when you need to take a step back. It is critical to always receive feedback. Get it from your coworkers, HR, or those close to you, such as friends or family.
It is critical for women to speak up, assert themselves, and get a seat at the table. Invest in yourself, establish your presence, and refuse to be pushed over. ‘You cannot build yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one,’ says James Anthony Froude.
You are in the very position you are for a time as this. There is more to you. Make your presence count.
