6 Steps to Unleash Your Executive Presence and Stand Out!

Ask a group of CEOs and leaders to name critical leadership skills, they are likely to mention the phrase "executive presence". However, the exact definition and how to develop executive presence it isn't always clear-cut.

In the second edition of?#CareerUnstoppable , a weekly newsletter to boost unstoppable confidence, productivity, and career success, let's demystify EXECUTIVE PRESENCE. If you get value from this, don't forget to subscribe and repost.

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What is executive presence? Do you have it? Why does it matter?

Executive presence (EP) is a critical aspect of a leader's success. It's the way an individual presents themselves that conveys competence, confidence, and credibility, enough to inspire action and influence. Brook Vuckovic defined EP as credibility multiplied by ease, divided by ego. Building EP is not just about getting promoted or gaining popularity. EP is not just a skill, it's a mindset. It's about embodying the values you stand for and leading by example.

Studies show that leaders who exude executive presence create heightened productivity, enthusiasm, and vigor in their teams. The dynamics between a leader with executive presence and their team fosters an environment that motivates individuals to go above and beyond, continuously exceeding expectations.

If you're striving to build an executive presence,

....here are six Vs you must develop:

1. Your Vision: Imagine having a clear direction in life that guides every decision you make and leads you to become the leader everyone respects and loves. Without a clear and compelling vision, we lack clarity and focus on how we want to show up at work and the impact we want to make. What 3 words would your work colleagues/manager use to describe you right now? Do those words reflect how you want to be described? Individuals with high levels of executive presence tend to be more effective leaders, as they are able to communicate better, inspire, and motivate others. By crafting a clear vision statement for yourself, you'll create a roadmap that takes into account your passions, values, and how you want to be perceived at work and long after you're gone.

2. Your Values: This is linked to your character and authenticity. Building executive presence should not be about "faking who you are not". That is not sustainable. If you spend a lifetime trying to be someone else, you can only be a copy, not the original! Ask yourself "What values matter to me?" From Monday through Friday, what values do you exhibit at work? Be true to yourself. How often do you practice self-control and manage your emotions effectively in high-pressure situations? To grow in value, identify your strengths and weaknesses and pay attention to areas that need embellishment or improvement. Then, cultivate your personal brand by aligning your actions with your values.

3. Your Visuals: Pay attention to your visuals. This includes, but, is not limited to:

• appearance/grooming: Yes, no matter what anyone tells you, we still judge a book by its cover. Your appearance says a lot about you and what you care about. Those first few minutes someone spends in your presence can create a lingering first impression that sometimes is hard to forget. I frequently coach my mentees to "dress for your next level". What that simply means is to take the extra effort to dress appropriately for the audience, the workplace, or the environment you find yourself in. The way you dress and carry yourself matters. While there is no one "right" way to dress, it's important to look polished and put together, and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Caveat: you don't have to break the bank to look good.
• etiquette/poise: how do you show up at work and in life? how organized are you? do you have a lateness culture, always in a hurry, and focus on yourself and no one else? Do your personal style and habits reflect your personality and values? How often do you practice active listening during meetings or conversations with others? The quality of your poise and etiquette add up to your executive presence.
• body language: this can significantly affect the way you're perceived. When presenting ideas to a group, do you maintain eye contact and use assertive body language? non-verbal manners

4. Your Virtuosity: To truly master executive presence, you must first have a deep understanding of yourself, and an appreciation for others. You must be able to connect with people on a personal level and understand what drives them. The more competent you are, the more confident and credible you become. Confidence is an essential component of executive presence. Confidence can make you convey your competence and conviction in making decisions and taking action. When you demonstrate your expertise, you inspire and motivate others and can manage complex situations with poise and assurance. People want to engage and listen to confident and competent people. Engage in professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge.

5. Your Verve: Now, don't think that executive presence is something that you're born with. It's a skill that can be developed, honed, and perfected with practice and intention. Anyone can learn it. To develop executive presence, you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. These are characteristics you display that can strengthen your executive presence.

• charisma - the vitality, energy, and enthusiasm you display. Your verve (charisma) can create a magnetic connection?with others that makes you more likable and unforgettable.
• gravitas: Gravitas is all about projecting authority and seriousness in a confident and composed manner. It requires self-control, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of confidence. There is something attractive about exuding calm confidence.

6. Your Voice: Effective executive presence requires a deep understanding of oneself, as well as an appreciation for others. Focus on improving your communication skills by practicing active listening and using clear language. Are you calm and composed under pressure or always speak with a high pitch that keeps people on edge? Julian Treasure's TED talk has tips about how to use your voice box. Mastering the art of speaking can enhance your executive presence - the depth of your voice, the use of silence or pauses, the pace at which you speak, and the tonality and style all contribute to your executive presence. You must be able to speak with clarity, conviction, and credibility. That's what people respond to, and that's what will set you apart.

Caveat: There is no one-size-fits-all method for defining and building executive presence. Leaders must not also use "executive presence" as an excuse for not developing or promoting employees with personalities different from their own styles. When you stay authentic to who you are and raise your awareness around the impact you have on others, you can show up confidently and keep improving your executive presence.

This week's challenge:

Take a moment to assess your own executive presence. How has it shaped your career progression? If you had to work on an area, which of these six key areas above do you need to work on? Share your comments below. Develop a plan to enhance your executive presence by focusing on one area at a time. Set measurable goals and track your progress. Remember, developing executive presence takes time and effort, but it’s worth it.

PS:?Thank you for reading the?#CareerUnstoppable ?newsletter. If you found this valuable, why not pay it forward? Share with your network and help spread the knowledge. I'm always on the hunt for new topics to cover and questions to tackle. Got something in mind? Don't hesitate to let me know.

Be Unstoppable!