Whether you’re a new hand at developing your executive presence, a C-suite executive who’d like to think they mastered executive presence years ago or someone who is somewhere in between, there is always room for improvement. Taking the time to update, upgrade or simply polish your executive presence skills is always a profitable use of your time and resources.
There are many ways to define that certain something, that charisma that is one of the hallmarks of great leaders throughout time. Some people seem to have been born mastering the keys of this set of skills, and other people seem to find it all but elusive, but with enough effort, anyone can refine these characteristics and inspire others to do the same.
Research on the key pillars of executive presence found these three qualities in this order of importance to be imperative:
- Gravitas — The ability to exude confidence, act decisively, show integrity, demonstrate emotional intelligence, burnish reputation and project vision
- Communication — The ability to command a room, read an audience and having great speaking skills
- Appearance — Exhibiting good grooming and physical attractiveness
In his book Executive Presence: The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO, author Harrison Monarth describes an important trait that could fit under gravitas or communication: first impressions. “The first tool for making a powerful first impression and forging an emotional connection is warmth. Warmth fosters trust and puts people in the receptive frame of mind known to psychologists as an approach state as opposed to an avoid state.”
In her book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, Amy Cuddy explains why enthusiasm is imperative: “There’s another reason we tend to put our faith in people who project passion, confidence, and enthusiasm: these traits can’t easily be faked.”
If you’re not talented at projecting warmth or enthusiasm, at the very least, you’re going to need the skill of “reading the air” — being able to read unspoken rules governing social life and your environment. This skill is valuable anywhere in the world.
The moral of the story is, if your desire is to polish your executive presence, it requires patience, practice and the willingness to change for the better. It sounds challenging because it is. If everyone could display these talents without any effort, we’d all be up to our necks in competent C-suite executives. Until that day comes, know that your sincere efforts at perfecting these skills will not go unrewarded.
This article has previously been featured on Forbes