What's your strategy for maintaining executive presence and credibility?

1 Define your value proposition

The first step to building your executive presence and credibility is to define your value proposition as a leader. What are your strengths, skills, and passions? How do you add value to your organization, team, and stakeholders? What are your goals and vision? Having a clear and compelling value proposition will help you articulate your message, align your actions, and showcase your impact.

2 Cultivate your personal brand

Your personal brand is how others perceive and remember you. It's a combination of your appearance, communication style, behavior, and reputation. To cultivate a positive and consistent personal brand, you need to be authentic, professional, and respectful. Dress appropriately for your role and context, use clear and confident language, listen actively and empathetically, and deliver on your promises. Also, seek feedback and opportunities to improve your skills and performance.

3 Leverage your network

Your network is a valuable asset for enhancing your executive presence and credibility. It can provide you with support, advice, information, and referrals. To leverage your network effectively, you need to build and maintain strong relationships with people across different levels, functions, and backgrounds. Be proactive in reaching out, offering help, sharing insights, and expressing appreciation. Also, be strategic in identifying and connecting with key influencers, decision-makers, and mentors.

4 Demonstrate your expertise

Your expertise is the foundation of your credibility. It shows that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead and solve problems. To demonstrate your expertise, you need to stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in your field. You also need to share your insights and opinions with others, through presentations, publications, blogs, podcasts, or social media. Additionally, you need to acknowledge your limitations and gaps, and seek to learn from others.

5 Manage your emotions

Your emotions can affect your executive presence and credibility positively or negatively. They can either enhance your charisma, empathy, and resilience, or undermine your confidence, judgment, and influence. To manage your emotions effectively, you need to be aware of your triggers, reactions, and impact. You also need to practice self-regulation techniques, such as breathing, meditation, or reframing. Moreover, you need to express your emotions appropriately and constructively, depending on the situation and audience.

6 Adapt to different contexts

Your executive presence and credibility are not static or fixed. They can vary depending on the context, such as the culture, environment, or expectations of the people you interact with. To adapt to different contexts, you need to be flexible, curious, and respectful. You need to research and understand the norms, values, and preferences of the people you work with or serve. You also need to adjust your style, tone, and approach accordingly, while staying true to your core values and principles.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?