Building Your Executive Presence

There’s lots of talk about executive presence, but most of it is fuzzy generalities. While it’s a popular concept, it’s often misunderstood or merely talked about at the surface level. You might think that it’s just about your appearance and confidence. While that’s true, it’s only a small part of what makes up Executive Presence. If you want to take your career to the next level, it’s important to take a more structured and deliberate approach. 

The Bates ExPI? (Bates Executive Presence Index?) is the first and only research-based, scientifically validated assessment to measure executive presence. Their model breaks it down into 3 categories, each with 5 dimensions in a thorough, yet simple format.

Style 

Style is the tip of the iceberg. It sticks out of the water and you can see it from a mile away. It’s usually the first thing we notice about others, and the first thing they see about us. This includes things like physical appearance and assertiveness. 

Whether we like it or not, people have expectations about us and our role. This doesn’t mean that you have to meet their expectations, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you can be more intentional (another Style dimension) about your choices and behaviors. 

Style can be a gatekeeper. We may write someone off purely based on superficial observations--we all do it. Rather than judge yourself for this, notice that it’s natural to judge (funny, isn’t it?). As long as we are aware of our judgments, then we can take responsibility for them and make sure they don’t get in our way or negatively impact others. If we try to pretend they don’t exist, they will hold power over us--even though they’re beneath the surface.

Of course, style on its own isn’t enough. If you have style but no substance you’d be what some might call an “empty suit.” 

Substance 

Substance is built up and demonstrated over time. It’s something that’s observable through your actions and can compound to build up your reputation. More important than what actions you take, is how you take them. Taking actions with confidence, maintaining your composure, and demonstrating leadership maturity are the most important aspects of Substance as it relates to your Executive Presence. The foundational element beneath this is your character. 

Character

Character is the base of the pyramid. It’s your inner core that permeates and supports all of you. In some sense, it’s the least observable characteristic, although it can also have the biggest impact when it shines through. 

The term character is overused and often misunderstood. Bates defines character as a combination of: authenticity, integrity, concern for others, emotional restraint, and humility. This underlines the importance of identifying and clarifying your personal values and focusing on acting in alignment with them. 

What aspects of Executive Presence could you most benefit from improving?

If you want individualized support to build a stronger Executive Presence, schedule your free 20-minute discovery session now. I’ll help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and create an action plan to get you to the next level.