From Karan’s Research, Read About One of the Top Seven Leadership Execution Tactics
Mastered by the World’s Most Successful Leaders

In order for others to have confidence that following your lead is indeed the right thing to do, you must be skillful in presenting the reasons why taking your recommended course of action is infinitely better than them remaining with the status quo.

Leading with Executive Presence is the ability to make clear and convincing oral and/or written presentations, in order to influence and lead others.

Leaders that exhibit a high degree of Executive Presence are commonly quick thinkers who thrive when placed on the spot to field inquiries, give feedback, or tackle challenges directed towards them.

They are gifted in their ability to maintain composure and poise during difficult situations, and are also lauded for their ability to remain adaptable, handle the unexpected, and influence others to follow their lead.

What does “Leading with Executive Presence” look like in individuals?  They . . .    

• Think quickly and well when placed on the spot in response to inquiries, feedback, and comments made to them.
• Maintains composure and poise when facing tough situations.
• Remain adaptable and flexible in response to uncertainty.
• Handle the unexpected with grace.
• Are effective in a variety of internal and external presentation settings.
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence: strong self-awareness that includes awareness of their impact as a leader and social awareness in understanding others’ perceptions, motivations, and emotions.
• Are able to customize and pivot messages appropriately based on level or characteristics of audiences.
• Communicate in a clear, compelling, warm, and inclusive way that puts others at ease, wins confidence, and gains buy-in.
• Project a positive and professional image at all times.

What is the “differentiating value” provided when demonstrating Executive Presence? 

• Decisive action is taken, even when making tough calls.
• Your audience or target market feels informed enough to make a decision.
• Followers feel good about the vision and direction of leadership.

What does Leading with Executive Presence look like in the workplace?

Let’s look at a real world example of leading with Executive Presence – former South African President Nelson Mandela.  Mandela was a gifted visionary who exercised a full range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities to bring about profound change in South Africa. He had an amazing power for empathy and connecting to others at a personal level. He used the lessons learned from his conversations with others to strategize and execute complex social, political, legal, and economic initiatives aimed at the betterment of all people. 

Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first and only female prime minister, is another great example of a leader with Executive Presence. She balanced femininity with knowing how and when to instill fear and respect amongst strong men. Her powerful image didn’t come naturally to her. Thatcher’s Executive Presence was one that she carefully and consciously constructed. She knew the importance of Executive Presence and that most great leaders create it, often with help. They diligently work to refine and maintain it, while also taking pains to avoid blunders that might destroy it. And, to be considered an effective leader, so must you. 

What value does Executive Presence provide in the workplace?

Executive Presence is one of the hottest topics in talent development discussions today. A study by the Center for Talent Innovation, a  nonprofit research organization based in New York, suggests that in today’s global marketplace, Executive Presence accounts for 26% of what it takes to be an exemplary leader. 

Dynamic leaders who are able to develop strong Executive Presence enjoy:

• Increased influence and persuasiveness
• Increase recognition as leaders in their organizations and/or industry
• Increased commitment and buy-in from stakeholders to support their goals and objectives
• Increased ability to achieve results through others 
• Improved relationships and deep sense of loyalty

To be clear, Executive Presence is not simply charm and charisma.  While a naturally magnetic personality can be an invaluable element of one’s Executive Presence, personality alone is not sufficient for you to be an influential leader. 

It is also not necessary to have an extroverted personality. Introverts and those who lead somewhat more quietly (or who are reserved) can demonstrate an impressive level of Executive Presence.