Executive Presence: How to Build an Executive Presence

Executive presence is the sum of various leadership qualities and competencies that make business leaders distinguished in their field and respected in their workspaces. Possessing executive leadership is a kind of gravitas, but it is made concrete by different elements that make those in leadership positions admired and successful.

Stakeholders view leadership skills as necessary for rising to C-suite roles, so executive presence is essential on both practical and emotional levels. Executive presence is part of a winning personality, something you cannot easily articulate on resumes. Candidates may have years of experience and proper training, but if they cannot command a space, communicate clearly, and lead a team, they may not be ready for higher-up positions.

For this reason, executive presence is an elusive but prized part of one’s work ethic. Not all workers possess it, and those who do can impress bosses to rise the ranks more quickly. Executive presence also plays a significant role in an organization's brand image and how customers perceive companies. Often, leaders will become the face of a company, and what buyers associate with its leader will tie to the brand at large.

Executive presence skills make better leaders. The following qualities pave the way toward more senior-level positions and overall career success:

1. 1. Clear vision: Leaders will gain trust and showcase reliability by articulating a clear vision and adhering to it. Workers appreciate consistency in their bosses, so abiding by a clear vision is one good way to display executive presence.
2. 2. Active listening: Strong communication skills shows engagement and understanding of workers’ needs and ideas, regardless of their level. Active listening includes eye contact, reading body language, and not speaking over others.
3. 3. Professionalism: Leaders with executive presence will always put their best foot forward by acting professionally and making solid first impressions that use eye contact, firm handshakes, and open minds.
4. 4. Public speaking skills. Leaders also need to galvanize an audience, board room, or staff meeting by speaking confidently and clearly. Mumbling or constantly looking down at notes shows a lack of executive presence.
5. 5. Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness plays into emotional intelligence; strong leaders should be able to read a room and respond to its tone while also showing humility and camaraderie.

Take steps to hone your own executive presence and become a stronger leader:

1. 1. Study admired senior leaders. Take a closer look at the mentors or higher-ups you respect—sometimes, the best way to enact executive presence is by mimicking the traits you admire and implementing them into your work ethic.
2. 2. Learn how to command attention. Good leaders should be firm. Know how to project your voice, energize a space, and fearlessly lead a team. If you are generally shy in group meetings, try sitting up straight, speaking up, and actively participating in collaborative sessions to show that you can be more commanding.
3. 3. Lean into self-confidence. Confidence does not have to show excessive pride—you can use it to bring out the best in others and show you are a strong leader capable of giving direction, steering a team, and making sound decisions.
4. 4. Work with an executive coach. Professional development is standard amongst those looking to improve their leadership and interpersonal skills. Executive coaches can assist leaders or those in transitionary roles. Many offices will also set aside funds for these endeavors because they will ultimately benefit the worker and brand.

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