The Authoritative Guide to Executive Presence

Executive presence – it’s something that successful leaders clearly possess, but what is it, exactly? And how can you cultivate it in your own career?

Leaders are commonly judged by the results they achieve, often expressed in bottom-line results, profit margins, share price, and customer ratings. But these metrics neglect an intangible characteristic that all top leaders seem to display. That’s the curious quality of a great executive presence.

While sometimes shrouded in mystery or referred to in vague generalities, executive presence needn’t be mysterious at all. In fact, it’s a skill with clearly defined characteristics that can be studied and evaluated. More importantly, it’s a skill that can be learned and mastered by any leader or manager willing to make the effort.

Let’s start our exploration of this topic by defining the term and why it matters. From there, we’ll discuss the characteristics and communication styles of leaders who have a strong professional presence – and what value these qualities contribute to a business. Once you’re familiar with these foundational elements, we’ll share our top executive presence coaching tips you can start practicing right away.

Executive Presence Definition

In its most basic terms, “executive presence” refers to a combination of personality and character traits that make a leader believable, trusted, and respected by the people they lead. It’s the ability to inspire others to be assertive in their own professional roles. This requires a consistent demonstration of clear leadership by the person in charge.

Executive presence is about a leader’s ability to inspire confidence in everyone around them:

This leader inspires confidence in their subordinates and team by establishing themselves as someone to respect and follow.
This leader also inspires confidence among peers through their demonstrated competence and reliability.
And, perhaps most importantly, a leader with executive presence inspires confidence among senior executives, establishing their potential for achieving superior results.

Undoubtedly, charisma and pizazz play some role in defining executive presence. But unlike a rock star or a politician, the leader with genuine executive presence doesn’t have to act flamboyant or ostentatious in their mannerisms or style. In fact, quiet confidence and emotionally intelligent leadership might best define the true nature of executive presence.

Why Executive Presence Matters

Executive presence is an invaluable leadership quality that can open doors to new and better opportunities for leaders and the people they lead.

While the exact nature of executive presence may not be clear, the need for it is. Many leaders are passed over for promotions because they just don’t have it. After coaching for executive presence, these professionals are better situated to advance toward their own career goals while helping their teams succeed.

Besides the correlation with moving up, executive presence is critical during difficult times when leadership becomes more challenging. Teams look to their leaders for confidence, vision, and resolve when it all hits the fan. Those leaders must convey all of that and more to guide the team through to better times.

All this is to say, executive presence is not a “nice to have” but rather a “must have” in most organizations once you reach a certain level in your career.

The encouraging thing is that it’s not a quality some people are born with and others are missing. Instead, it’s a learned and practiced set of skills you can cultivate over time. By considering it as a key part of leadership development – no matter where you are in your professional journey – you can strengthen and improve your executive presence all throughout your career.

Top 10 Characteristics of a Leader With Executive Presence

Advancing your executive education starts with observing and understanding what impactful leaders are doing so you can adopt those skills yourself. Let’s look at some widely recognized characteristics of leaders with executive presence.

1. They Exhibit a High Degree of Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and assess not just your emotions, but those of others. Emotionally intelligent leaders are compassionate, self-aware, authentic, and intuitive. Leaders who display high emotional intelligence also tend to be empathic and effective communicators.

2. They Demonstrate Powerful Public Speaking Skills

Clear and compelling messages, delivered with an appropriate touch of confidence and compassion, are essential to the individual who wants to come across as a leader. Command an audience and you’ll influence what they think and do. This is the arena in which executive presence and its force are on full display for others to see and feel.

3. They Communicate Well on All Levels

Leaders with executive presence aren’t simply good at public speaking, they’re good at communicating at all levels: in small groups, one on one, with colleagues or strangers, in written formats, and in video and audio programs. These people know how to get their message across regardless of the circumstances or media.

They also know how to navigate difficult conversations, which occur frequently in the life of a leader. They don’t shy away from these conversations. Instead, they have them when they need to and ensure the other person is heard, understood and addressed in a civil way to ensure a positive outcome for all.

4. They Consistently Project Quiet Confidence

Leaders with executive presence know they don’t have to be loud to lead. In fact, it’s to their advantage to be calm, rational, and humble at times, especially when facing an unusual challenge or making important decisions during a crisis. A healthy balance of humility and confidence is essential to executive presence.

5. They Act With Conviction and Integrity

People trust leaders who do what they say they will do – those who stand by their convictions and whose values cannot be shaken. Such leaders are consistent and deeply committed to doing the right thing for the right reason.

Integrity is a personality trait that’s universally admired. Many people are drawn to integrity because it’s something they often feel they lack in themselves to some extent. When they see integrity expressed by a leader, they follow that leader, hoping to be inspired into making their own better personal choices.

Phonies can never possess genuine executive presence. Sooner or later their game is up and they’ll be rejected by most if not all of the people they aspire to lead. You only need to watch the news to hear about corporate con artists who are finally having their day in court. The Theranos scandal presents a great example.

There’s little point in wondering how to practice executive presence unless you’re starting from a place of integrity.

6. They Have a Signature Leadership Style

Leaders with executive presence have a style that’s entirely their own. They don’t imitate or mimic other great leaders. It could be their mannerisms, the passionate way they talk about their beliefs, or the intriguing ways they communicate important messages. No matter what it is, there’s something utterly unique that sets them apart.

When you look at examples of executive presence, it’s clear that each leader who rises to the top approaches their role by embracing their own authentic approach. For instance, Steve Jobs comes to mind as an inimitable leader who possessed a signature style that projected passion, confidence, and conviction.

7. They’re Authentic and Genuine

People are drawn to those with executive presence because they’re genuine. When leaders are straightforward, comfortable in their skin, and honest about their flaws, they become more relatable and trustworthy. There’s something endearing and admirable about their willingness to make mistakes and admit to fears and uncertainties. It’s a humanization that other people readily embrace and appreciate.

8. They Understand How Others Experience Their Leadership

People with executive presence have a keen understanding of how they’re perceived by others. To gain this insight, they ask their mentors and get feedback from colleagues, peers, and subordinates. It’s best when this feedback comes from a cross-section of people who see the leader act in a variety of situations. This understanding helps them continually work on their leadership effectiveness.

9. They’re Excellent Listeners.

One of the most important communication skills is the ability to listen. People with strong executive presence are exceptional listeners. They engage others with their full attention, they ask great questions, and they use listening as a way to explore important ideas.

Ironically, there are leaders who are tempted to listen less and speak more to prove themselves as they move up. However, this behavior works against building executive presence. The ability to listen effectively demonstrates self-confidence rather than arrogance.

10. They Possess Charisma

Charismatic leaders command attention just by being themselves, a factor that gives them the ability to influence others. People naturally follow charismatic leaders without the need for pressure or coercion. Think of this as “style+” – encompassing powerful communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal.

The Organizational Benefits Derived From Leaders With Executive Presence

When a leader demonstrates ongoing executive presence, the results can be beneficial across the organization they lead. Here are some prime examples of why this is true:

Improved Employee Morale.

When an executive team member possesses leadership presence, it often leads to better company morale. Energetic leadership helps employees feel more satisfied in their positions and increases confidence about the direction of the organization.

Lower Turnover Rates

Better employee morale helps decrease turnover. This can minimize the hiring and training costs that come with onboarding new employees, helping a company maximize its resources.

Higher Productivity Rates.

When employees are more satisfied and feel respect from their leaders, they’re more likely to be productive. Higher productivity typically increases business success.

An Aligned Organization.

When employees are feeling upbeat, have clarity about their role, and possess confidence in their leadership, the organization becomes aligned. This unity across teams and departments can propel a company past its competition.

9 Steps to Developing Your Own Executive Presence

Now that we’ve identified the main characteristics of executive presence, and listed reasons why it matters, let’s dive into an executive presence coaching how-to guide. These steps can help you cultivate your own sense of executive presence, whether you’re an aspiring leader, a rising star in your organization, or a seasoned leader who is eager to advance your executive education.

Like any skill set, it takes determination to learn and dedication to practice before it’s fully realized, but the short and the long-term rewards make this effort a rewarding one. So, here are some steps you can get started with right away:

1. Start From the Inside Out

Executive presence isn’t just about how others perceive you. It starts with how you perceive yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, that self-doubt will be apparent, no matter what you look like or what clothes you’re wearing. Therefore, before you look outward, look inward.

Work on developing your self-confidence by challenging yourself to try new things, learn new skills, and take on tasks you previously would shy away from. The more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more your confidence will grow naturally.

2. Become Acutely Self-Aware.

Never neglect opportunities to increase your self-awareness, in whatever form they come

Get feedback from peers and subordinates.
Take appropriate self-assessments.
Work with a professional leadership coach to enhance your abilities in this area.

And remember that it’s just as important to recognize and appreciate your assets as it is to identify your vulnerabilities.

With heightened self-awareness, a leader tunes into their strengths and can leverage them to the full advantage of all. Self-awareness is at the heart of executive presence.

3. Master Body Language

Body language can have a substantial impact on executive presence. In general, you want to ensure you’re relaxed, comfortable, and confident. While various cultures and organizations may have different norms, keep these general guidelines in mind:

Make eye contact: Eye contact can help you appear self-assured, and it can also help people feel that you are actively listening to them. Too little eye contact can make you appear disengaged, distracted, or even dishonest.
Mind your posture: If you have a habit of keeping your arms folded in front of you, your body language impedes people from connecting with you. It becomes a barrier between you and your audience. Instead, keep your arms at your side or use your hands and arms for gesturing. Also, work to maintain an upright posture with your shoulders back and head up to look more confident.
Watch your facial expressions: Leaders with executive presence have a calm demeanor and convey emotion through changes in facial expressions. When you speak with others, present a look of sincere interest. Look confident, smile, and nod. Avoid expressions that might convey impatience, judgment or dissatisfaction.

Watching compelling speeches and presentations while paying attention to the body language the presenters use is a great way to see leadership presence examples in action.

4. Cultivate Your Network and Build Political Savvy

People with exceptional executive presence understand that companies are composed of complex relationships. They know there are always clashing egos and competing agendas at some level – and they know how to navigate them.

Organizational politics often arise when ambitious people work together. People with strong executive presence are good at cultivating a network of relationships and developing the political savvy to steer challenging situations in a productive direction. The more people you know well across the company, the more likely you are to feel confident in your sense of the pulse of the organization and how to make wise decisions that will be supported.

5. Find a Role Model

Look for leadership presence examples around you. They could be people within your network or prominent figures in your industry. Determine who you think has a strong executive presence and why. They likely exemplify the strengths and characteristics you want to emulate.

Study them and learn from their example. Just keep in mind that you don’t need to do exactly what they do; you’ll embrace your own leadership style as you develop.

6. Learn to Operate Effectively Under Stress

Do you get flustered or overwhelmed when the stakes are high? Do you lose your cool, or do you have a reputation for being temperamental? No one wants to see a leader who’s overwhelmed. People with good executive presence present themselves as calm, even-keeled, composed, well-prepared and in control at all times.

If you need to work on this area, practice mindfulness and learn to detach your feelings from the situation and instead focus on the moment and what’s needed. Also, get into the best possible physical shape through good nutrition, hydration, exercise, and rest You’ll be better able to handle stress when you’re fit and energetic.

7. Make Sure Your Appearance Isn’t a Distraction

We’ve all heard somewhere in our lives that neatness counts, and it’s true. Visual appearance makes a first impression, and first impressions, whether conscious or subconscious, are powerful. Therefore, you want to ensure your appearance inspires confidence.

This doesn’t mean rushing out and buying expensive designer clothes. Rather, this strategy is about making sure your professional appearance is appropriate for the setting and the company culture, and that it’s consistent with others at the level you aspire to reach. Pay attention to your clothing choices and grooming.

Consider working with an image consultant if you’re not sure of how best to navigate this aspect of executive presence. It can make a difference.

8. Have a Vision and Articulate it Well.

Executives with presence almost universally have a compelling vision – a well-conceived mental picture of what they’re working to accomplish. A robust, well-articulated vision is ultimately how you make your mark. It’s something that can set you apart and it’s a powerful tool for inspiring confidence.

Read prodigiously, study trends, understand the competitive landscape, examine fields entirely different than your own, and connect with big thinkers. By exercising your mind in these myriad ways, visionary thinking will come more naturally to you.

9. Practice and Practice Some More

Mastery of any skill comes through study and repetition. With enough practice, new skills become new habits. Executives who seem to effortlessly demonstrate executive presence actually rehearse to become authentic and natural. Here are some ways to do this yourself:

Practice what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it.
Record yourself on video and audio. Study the recordings to see where you appear strong and not so strong.
Do dry runs of important presentations before small groups of trusted mentors to iron out details and get unbiased feedback.

In short, practice the art of executive presence until it becomes second nature. Attaining true executive presence requires this continuous improvement mindset, and the dedication to see it through.

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Need Personalized Coaching for Executive Presence? We’re Here to Help

Whether you want to chart a path to the C-suite or just want to be perceived as a competent leader, executive presence is a skill you can develop. It has nothing to do with becoming someone you’re not. Instead, it’s all about bringing out the best version of your true self.

Acquiring your own brand of executive presence can seem like a daunting challenge, but with guidance and practice you can get there.

At Bay Area Executive Coach, we’re experts in helping leaders attain their full potential through mastery of emotional intelligence and the communication skills essential for success. To learn how we can help you with personalized executive presence coaching, contact us today to have a conversation about your goals and aspirations.

You can start with our Executive Presence Self-Assessment to start identifying your strengths and weaknesses

Now that you have a solid sense of what comprises executive presence, you may want to focus your attention outward to the people who work for you. Read our article on How Business Leaders Can Inspire Performance in their Employees!