Command presence is how you represent yourself to your followers.

Do you have a command presence??

Command presence is how you represent yourself to your followers. Ultimately, it should embolden them. While several aspects of command presence are situationally dependent, three things you can pay attention to in every circumstance will help you maintain and build your command presence: confidence, body language, and composure.?

1. Confidence – In everything you do, you should portray confidence. Confidence is the portal to trust, reliability, and credibility. Your confidence will manifest itself in your followers and throughout the team. Your confidence will contribute to the leadership climate of the team. Note that confidence does not mean that you know everything, but it does mean you are not afraid to not know everything, you are not afraid to be humble, and you are not afraid to unify the team to find solutions. There is a big difference between being confident and feigning the appearance of confidence. Show that you are ready for the challenge and confident in the team to handle the challenges that arise.?
2. Body language – Your body speaks louder than you do. Actions speak louder than words, and your body language will reveal that “tell” you try to hide at the poker table. Your followers will pick up on your body language. They will know you are tired, scared, disinterested, distracted, or disingenuous. You must be mindful of your body language and ensure it exhibits and communicates emotion for the right circumstance. Most of all, do not let your body language communicate toxic feelings. Ensure you maintain your bearings and do not let narcissistic, selfish, disingenuous, or hurtful body language affect your team. Display calm, confident, and capable emotions through your body.?
3. Composure – The textbook definition of composure is a serene, self-controlled state of mind, calmness, and tranquility. These are important, but you must also be mindful of two key psychological terms: displacement and projection. You must be mindful not to participate in these actions, which will harm your command presence. Displacement is the transfer of feelings or behavior from their original object to another person or thing. When you are upset about circumstances and displace your frustrated feelings onto your followers, it sabotages your command presence. Projection is the process by which one attributes one’s positive or negative characteristics, effects, or impulses to another person or group. When you project your own concerns onto your followers, it can devastate your relationship with them.?

In difficult times, your command presence can be the vital attribute that makes or breaks your team. As a leader, your job is to inspire, exude confidence, unify efforts, and demonstrate a proper command presence by being mindful of your confidence, body language, and composure.

Cultivating Command Presence in Leadership

Command presence is an essential attribute for leaders. It reflects how they present themselves to their followers and influences team dynamics. A leader's command presence should inspire confidence, demonstrate effective body language, and maintain composure, which is critical in fostering a positive leadership climate.

Confidence is about knowing only some things but showing readiness to tackle challenges collectively with the team. It's about being humble yet decisive, creating an environment of trust and credibility.

Body Language is crucial as it communicates more than words can say. Leaders must be aware of their body language's messages, ensuring they align with the values and emotions they wish to convey and avoiding negative expressions that might undermine team morale.

Composure involves maintaining calm and control, especially under pressure. Leaders must avoid displacing their frustrations onto their team or projecting their insecurities, as these actions can damage relationships and diminish their command presence.

Effective leadership requires strategic thinking and emotional engagement with the team in constructive and encouraging ways. By mastering these aspects of command presence, leaders can be seen as reliable and capable stewards of their team's mission and values.

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Randal A. Collins, Ed.D, CEM

Email: [email protected]?

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