Executive Presence is for Everyone: Key Insights to Boost Your Leadership and Growth

I recently came across a Forbes article originally published in 2018, and I found that its insights are still highly relevant today. Executive presence isn’t just for senior leaders. It is a skill that anyone can develop at any stage in their career. Here are my key takeaways from the article:

What is Executive Presence?

Simply put, executive presence is the ability to inspire confidence in others. It shows that you have the leadership skills to guide your team, the ability to deliver results, and the potential for greater achievements. It’s about proving that you can be trusted and relied upon.

Why is it Important?

Your executive presence can influence whether you are chosen for an important job opportunity, promotion or sometimes critical projects, and these decision are most likely made when you are not in the room. It is not just about what you say, but how others perceive you as a leader. This is why developing executive presence is crucial for your career growth.

7 Ways to Build Executive Presence:

• Have a Clear Vision: Work on clearly articulating your goals and ideas, whether in a meeting or one on one with a colleague.
• Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues and mentors for feedback to understand how you come across and improve in areas where needed.
• Improve Communication Skills: Focus on enhancing your ability to speak, write, and present effectively so you can engage others and share your ideas clearly.
• Develop Listening Skills: Listening attentively helps you build trust and shows confidence in others’ ideas.
• Build Relationships: Strengthen your relationships within the company and understand how things work at all levels.
• Stay Calm Under Pressure: Learn how to manage stress in tough situations. How you handle stress reflects your leadership abilities.
• Make a Good First Impression: Pay attention to grooming and dress in a way that aligns with your company’s culture and shows professionalism.

By working on these key areas, you can improve your leadership abilities and continue to grow professionally.

Read the full article here: Forbes - Executive Presence: What Is It, Why You Need It And How To Get It