Elements of Executive Presence: Develop the “Wow”
Factor that Makes Leaders Stand Out
By Suzanne Bates
We’ve all witnessed that moment when someone walks
into a room at a business or social event and
attracts intense, positive attention. The air
shifts. Heads turn. People gravitate toward them
in the conversation circle. In short, they have a
“wow” factor.
The
wow factor is often called “executive presence.” It
is easy to see and yet hard to define. But it’s
important to develop because when you have it,
people want to promote you, do business with you,
give you better assignments, and recommend you to
others.
Is
executive presence in your DNA or can you learn it?
It turns out you’re not born with this skill. And
it’s not as much of a mystery as you might think.
It is a blending of competencies and skills that
when combined, send all the right signals.
Executive presence creates a
strong personal brand. The brand is the message or
impression that comes to mind when people see you,
hear of you or think about you. In
business, you need to
build your brand with everyone – your colleagues,
boss, direct reports, clients or customers; because
it’s impossible to meet and know everyone well.
Brand gives you word of mouth that is a tremendous
advantage.
Executive presence isn’t just
fluff, and it isn’t about first impressions; it is a
thought or feeling about you that develops over time
based on other people’s experiences with you. When
you do it right, you build trust, which creates word
of mouth or buzz that opens up business
opportunities and creates professional and financial
success. So how do you
start developing a powerful executive presence and
create your own personal brand? There are seven
elements of executive presence:
#1. Substance:
The most important aspect of executive presence is
the ability to communicate substance. You are an
expert in your field, and you need to share that
expertise in a powerful way. In order to do this
you need to develop a high level of skill in
speaking, presenting, writing and communicating your
ideas. You may be one of the most knowledgeable
people in your industry, however, if you cannot
convey your business and technical skill, you won’t
get the recognition you deserve.
#2. Personal Style:
We can hope that it doesn’t matter, but the way we
dress speaks volumes about us as professionals.
Your business attire should make you feel confident
and powerful every single day. Think about how you
feel when you put on your best suit. You should
walk in the door feeling like that every day.
Polished personal style isn’t just about the
clothing you wear; it’s about how you feel in those
clothes.
#3. Physical Presence:
Your physical presence is more than your body
language. It’s your confidence, spirit, and
energy. People are reading your body language
24/7. Learn to sit, stand, walk, move and gesture
purposefully. It says so much about your
professionalism.
#4. Vocal Skill:
Many people know us only by the sound of our voice.
Yet the voice is one of the most overlooked aspects
of executive presence. Knowing how to use your
voice effectively is one of the secrets to standing
out in the crowd. Your voice should be
conversational and clear. It should demonstrate
your confidence, enthusiasm, passion and
intelligence. Add interest to your voice by using
inflection, varying the pace, emphasizing important
words or phrases and pausing when you make an
important point.
#5. Manners/Etiquette:
It sounds like a no-brainer, but business etiquette
is essential to professional presence. Etiquette is
easy if you remember a few things; treat others as
you want to be treated, put their comfort ahead of
your own, and be gracious and grateful to everyone
you meet. People may not comment on your manners
but they do notice and assume you fit in
perfectly.
#6. Receptivity/Listening:
Listening is a leadership skill. Those who
listen stand out and are remembered. Listening
includes being accessible, encouraging people to
express themselves, listening with mindfulness, not
speaking too much, and using verbal and non verbal
language to convey genuine interest in the other
person. If you don’t know whether you’re a good
listener, ask someone who will tell you the
truth.
#7. Work Space:
Your work space is an extension of you and can be a
tip off to others about how you really conduct
business. Many people with a messy office believe
it shouldn’t matter. As much as we wish no one will
see or notice, that’s not true. A CEO once said he
decides whether to promote his people based on
“clutter.” Clear it out, find a home for
everything, keep electronic files of most documents,
and then make it an attractive space for you and
others. This is not only important to your image;
it will also help you feel better about your hours
at work.
Now,
where do you start? Choose one of the elements and
get started. Ask a trusted advisor to help. Soon,
people will be gravitating to your circle when you
walk into the room.
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