As much as earlier writers would have you believe, executive presence has not much to do with skills, tools, and techniques.
Executive Presence has to do with leaders’ relationships and particularly their capacity to choose their responses in stressful situations. This results in a clear flow of feelings between the leader and those around them. When your relationships remain strong the genuine you is present and you can connect easily with others. People will be drawn to you and will want to be influenced by you.
Executive presence encompasses these five essential yet invisible leadership qualities:
- Define your identity as a leader
- Determine your credibility
- Establish your reputation
- Shape the relationships you have
- Reflect your authenticity
Each one helps you produce highly visible results, as we will soon see in detail, if you:
- Gain insight into what creates influence
- Identify sticking points in your way
- Discover the source of any ineffective behaviors
- Develop the capacity to change your behavior
- Are perceived as and are sought after as a leader
If you have these qualities you will increase your capacities to inspire, influence and have a greater presence.
I have discovered at least 12 criteria for executive presence. Use the rating system below to determine what criteria you need to work on. Rate yourself on a 1-10 scale for each of these criteria, 0 being not at all, 10 being fit-for-purpose.
- You anticipate resolving people problems and maintaining good relationships.
- People look to you for context, decision making, and direction.
- You know what is going on in your organization.
- You contribute relevantly in groups.
- You are sought after for advice and counsel.
- You have a personal network of trusted advisors.
- You are calm in crises.
- You can disagree with others and maintain good relationships.
- You are less than perfect, and people accept you.
- You look forward to being with people.
- You can transact business rapidly.
- You are perceived as accessible, relevant, insightful, and results oriented.