10 Elements of Leadership - Element 2: Executive Presence

Many of you have heard me talk about the 10 elements of leadership. These are elements that great leaders demonstrate consistently.

One of those elements that we'll talk about today is executive presence.

Executive presence, or sometimes referred to as leadership presence, is very difficult because it's so subjective. People often say it's really hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.

What is Executive Presence?

Executive presence is fundamentally a net impression of your leadership style. It's got an appearance component, it's got a communications component, and it's got a personal connection component.

Each of these areas has several sub-categories, and I'll refer you to the blog on the Wynstone Partners website about leadership presence. But for now, I'll give you a few things to be aware of and to start working on immediately.

Component 1: Appearance

First and easiest is your appearance. Is your wardrobe professional? Is it current?

If there's any doubt in your mind, look through some magazines in your professional field and see what people are wearing.

Also, are your groomed properly? Is your hair trimmed, neat, combed? Are your fingernails manicured? Are your shoes shined? We don't want any scuffs on your shoes or frayed collars or anything like that.

If you're 30, don't try to dress like you're 50. And if you're 50, don't try to dress like you're 30.

So ask yourself if you look credible. If anyone saw you, would they want to listen to you?

Let me give you an example. Take a look at this slide.

There are 3 pilots that are going to the same place, and you have to decide which plane you're going to get on.

I suspect many of you selected the pilot on the right because of his appearance. You know nothing about any of their flight ability. For all you know, they could have been coming back from a Halloween party. But you engaged with the pilot because of his appearance.

At least it'll get you to step two, which is now to engage in the verbal side of executive presence.

Component 2: Communication

The next thing to think about is your communication skills. Can you hold their attention with good storytelling and eye contact? Are you pausing long enough while they're speaking to think about what they said and ask thoughtful questions?

Do you know what you're talking about? One of the fastest ways to lose executive presence or credibility is to weigh in on something you know nothing about.

I'll refer you over to the video we did on communication for some detailed coaching on storytelling and being audience-centric on your communication.

Component 3: Self-awareness

The third part of executive presence is self-awareness. Do you understand your strengths and gaps, and can you manage them effectively?

This is often referred to as being genuine. People trust you because they see the real you. Trying to be someone you're not will quickly take you off the road to sound executive presence.

Mastering executive presence takes a lifetime. But the sooner you get started, the better.

Thanks for watching the video, and I hope you've gained some valuable insight on how to get started. In our next video, we'll be talking about ethics and integrity.

If you'd like more leadership thoughts, subscribe to our YouTube channel, visit us on LinkedIn, or wynstonepartners.com.

Remember: better leaders, better business.