The Authoritative Guide to Executive Presence

Leaders are commonly judged by the results they achieve, often expressed in bottom-line results, profit margins, share price, and customer ratings. But these metrics neglect an intangible characteristic that all top leaders seem to possess and display, and that’s the curious quality of “executive presence.”

While sometimes shrouded in mystery or referred to in vague generalities, executive presence needn’t be mysterious at all. In fact, it’s a skill with clearly defined characteristics that can be studied and evaluated. More importantly, it’s a skill that can be learned and mastered by any leader or manager willing to make the effort. Let’s start our exploration of this topic by defining the term.

“Executive Presence” Defined

In its most basic terms, “executive presence” refers to a combination of personality and character traits that make a leader believable, trusted, and respected by the people being led. It’s the ability to inspire others to be assertive in their roles through the consistent demonstration of clear leadership by the person in charge.

Executive presence is about a leader’s ability to inspire confidence in everyone around them. This leader inspires confidence in their subordinates and team by establishing themselves as someone to respect and follow. This leader also inspires confidence among peers through their demonstrated competence and reliability. And, perhaps most importantly, a leader with executive presence inspires confidence among senior leaders, establishing their potential for achieving superior results.

Undoubtedly, charisma and “pizazz” play some role in defining executive presence, but unlike a rock star or a politician, the leader with genuine executive presence doesn’t have to act flamboyant or ostentatious in their mannerisms or style. In fact, quiet confidence and emotionally intelligent leadership might best define the true nature of executive presence.

Why it Matters

Executive presence opens the door to new and better opportunities for leaders and the people they lead. While the exact nature of executive presence may not be clear, the need for it is. Many leaders are passed over for promotions because they just don’t have it.

Besides the correlation with moving up, executive presence is critical during difficult times when leadership becomes more challenging. Teams look to their leaders for confidence, vision and resolve when it all hits the fan and those very same leaders must convey all of that and more to lead the team through to better times.

All this is to say, executive presence is not a “nice to have” but rather a “must have” in most organizations once you reach a certain level.

Characteristics of a Leader with Executive Presence

Now let’s look at some widely recognized characteristics of leaders with executive presence.

They Exhibit a High Degree of Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and assess not just your emotions, but those of others. Emotionally intelligent leaders are compassionate, self-aware, authentic, and intuitive. Leaders who display high emotional intelligence also tend to be effective and empathic communicators.

They’re Effective and Inspiring Public Speakers.

Clear and compelling messages, delivered with an appropriate touch of humor and compassion, are essential to the individual who wants to come across as a leader. Command an audience and you’ll influence what they think and do. This is the arena in which executive presence and its force are on full display for others to see and feel.

They Communicate Well on All Levels.

Leaders with executive presence aren’t simply good public speakers, they’re good communicators at all levels: in small groups, one on one, with colleagues or strangers, in written formats, and in video and audio programs. These people know how to get their message across regardless of the circumstances or media.

They Consistently Project Quiet Confidence.

Leaders with executive presence know they don’t have to be loud to lead. In fact, it’s to their advantage to be calm, rational, and almost humble at times, especially when facing a crisis or unusual challenge. A healthy balance of humility and confidence is essential to executive presence.

They Act with Conviction and Integrity.

People trust leaders who do what they say they will do. They respect those who stand by their convictions and whose values cannot be shaken. Such leaders are consistent and deeply committed to doing the right thing for the right reason. Integrity is a personality trait universally admired. Many people are drawn to integrity because it’s something they often feel they lack in themselves to some extent. When they see integrity expressed by a leader, they follow that leader, hoping to be inspired into making their own better personal choices.

Phonies can never possess genuine executive presence. Sooner or later their game is up and they’ll be rejected by most if not all of the people they aspire to lead. You only need to watch the news to hear about corporate con artists who are finally having their day in court. The Theranos scandal presents a great example.

They have a Signature Style.

Leaders with executive presence have a style that’s entirely their own. They don’t imitate or mimic other great leaders. It could be their mannerisms, the passionate way they talk about their beliefs, or the intriguing ways they communicate important messages. No matter what it is, there’s something utterly unique that sets them apart. Think of Steve Jobs when it comes to a leader who possessed a signature style that projected passion, confidence, and conviction.

They’re Authentic and Genuine.

People are drawn to those with executive presence because they’re genuine. When leaders are straightforward, comfortable in their skin, and honest about their flaws, they become more relatable and trustworthy. There’s something endearing and admirable about their willingness to make mistakes and admit to fears and uncertainties. It’s a humanization that other people readily embrace and appreciate.

They Understand How Others Experience Them.

People with executive presence have a keen understanding of how they’re perceived by others. To gain this insight, they ask their mentors, and get feedback from colleagues, peers, and subordinates. It’s best when this feedback comes from a cross-section of people who see the leader act in a variety of situations. This understanding helps the leader continually work on their leadership effectiveness.

They’re Excellent Listeners.

One of the most important communication skills is the ability to listen. People with strong executive presence are exceptional listeners. They engage others with their full attention, they ask great questions, and they use listening as a way to explore important ideas. The ability to listen effectively also demonstrates self-confidence, another critical part of executive presence. Ironically, there are leaders who are tempted to listen less and speak more to prove themselves as they move up. This behavior works against building an aura of executive presence.

They Possess Charisma.

Think of this as “style+” encompassing powerful communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal. Charismatic leaders command attention just by being themselves, a factor that gives them the ability to influence others. People naturally follow charismatic leaders without the need for pressure or coercion.

The Organizational Benefits Derived from Leaders with Executive Presence

When a leader demonstrates ongoing executive presence, the results can be beneficial across the organization they lead. Here are some prime examples of why this is true:

Improved Employee Morale.

When an executive team member possesses leadership presence, it often leads to better company morale. Energetic leadership helps employees feel more satisfied in their positions and increases confidence about the direction of the firm.

Lower Turnover Rates.

Better employee morale leads to lower turnover rates. This can minimize the hiring and training costs that come with onboarding new employees, helping a company maximize its resources.

Higher Productivity Rates.

When employees are more satisfied and feel respect from their leaders, they’re more likely to be productive. Higher productivity rates typically increase business success rates.

An Aligned Organization.

When employees are feeling upbeat, have clarity about their role, and possess confidence in their leadership, the organization becomes aligned which can propel them past their competition.

How to Develop Executive Presence

Now that we’ve identified the main characteristics of executive presence, and listed reasons why it matters, let’s look at ways an aspiring leader can cultivate their own sense of executive presence. Like any skill set, it takes determination to learn and dedication to practice before it’s fully realized, but the short and the long-term rewards make this effort a rewarding one. So, here are some things to get started with right away.

Start from the Inside Out

Executive presence isn’t just about how others perceive you. It starts with how you perceive yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, that self-doubt will be apparent, no matter what you look like or what clothes you’re wearing. Therefore, before you look outward, look inward.

Work on developing your self-confidence by challenging yourself to try new things, learn new skills, take on uncomfortable tasks you previously would shy away from. The more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more your confidence will grow naturally.

Become Acutely Self-Aware.

As we’ve discussed earlier in this article, executive presence involves understanding how others perceive you. Never neglect opportunities to increase your self-awareness, in whatever form they come in. Get feedback from peers and subordinates, take evaluation tests, work with a professional coach to enhance your abilities in this area. (And remember that it’s just as important to recognize and appreciate your assets as it is to identify your vulnerabilities.) With heightened self-awareness, a leader tunes into their strengths and can leverage them to the full advantage of all. Self-awareness is at the heart of executive presence.

Master Body Language.

Body language can have a substantial impact on executive presence. In general, you want to ensure you’re relaxed, comfortable, and confident. While various cultures and organizations may have different norms, there are some general guidelines:

Make eye contact: making eye contact is another part of effective executive presence. Eye contact can help you appear self-assured, and it can also help people feel that you are actively listening to them. Conversely, too little eye contact can make you appear disengaged, distracted or even dishonest.

Mind your posture: if you have a habit of keeping your arms folded in front of you, your body language impedes people from connecting with you. It becomes a barrier between you and your audience. Instead, keep your arms at your side or use your hands and arms for gesturing. Also, work to maintain an upright posture to look more confident.

Watch your facial expressions: leaders with executive presence have a calm demeanor and convey emotion through changes in facial expressions. When you speak with others, present a look of sincere interest. Smile and nod. When speaking to groups, look confident and smile. Avoid expressions that might convey impatience, judgment or dissatisfaction.

Cultivate Your Network and Build Political Savvy.

People with exceptional executive presence understand companies are composed of complex relationships and that there’s likely to be some level of clashing egos and competing agendas. Organizational politics often arise when ambitious people work together. People with strong executive presence are good at cultivating a network of relationships and developing the political savvy to steer challenging situations into a productive direction. The more people you know well across the company, the more likely you are to feel confident in your sense of the pulse of the organization and how to make wise decisions that will be supported.

Learn to Operate Effectively Under Stress.

Do you get flustered or overwhelmed when the stakes are high? Do you lose your cool, or do you have a reputation for being temperamental? No one wants to see a leader who’s overwhelmed. People with good executive presence present themselves as calm, even-keeled, composed, well-prepared and in control at all times. If you need to work on this area, practice mindfulness and learn to detach your feelings from the situation and instead focus on the moment and what’s needed. Also, if necessary get into the best possible physical shape and get plenty of good rest. You’ll be better able to handle stress when you’re fit and energetic.

Make Sure Your Appearance isn’t a Distraction.

We’ve all heard somewhere in our lives that neatness counts, and it’s true. Visual appearance makes a first impression, and first impressions, whether conscious or subconscious, are powerful. Therefore, you want to ensure your appearance inspires confidence. This doesn’t mean rushing out and buying expensive designer clothes. Rather, this strategy is about making sure your appearance is appropriate for the setting and the company culture, and that it’s consistent with others at the level you aspire to reach. Pay attention to your clothing choices and grooming. Be willing to work with an image consultant if you’re not sure of how best to navigate this aspect of executive presence. It can make a difference.

Have a Vision, and Articulate it Well.

Executives with presence almost universally have a compelling vision – a well-conceived mental picture of what they’re working to accomplish. A robust, well-articulated vision is ultimately how you make your mark. It’s something that can set you apart and it’s a powerful tool for inspiring confidence. Needless to say, visionary thinking is a potent component of that total package called “executive presence.” Read prodigiously, study trends, understand the competitive landscape, examine fields entirely different than your own, connect with big thinkers. By exercising your mind in these myriad ways, vision will come more naturally to you.

Finally, Practice and Practice Some More.

Mastery of any skill comes through study and repetition. With enough practice, new skills become new habits. Executives who seem to effortlessly demonstrate executive presence actually rehearse to become authentic and natural. They practice what they’re going to say and how they are going to say it. They video and audio record themselves and study the recordings to see where they appear strong and where they appear not so strong.

They do dry runs of important presentations before small groups of trusted mentors to iron out details and get unbiased feedback. In short, they practice the art of executive presence until it becomes second nature. Attaining true executive presence requires this continuous improvement mindset, and the dedication to see it through.

One additional thought: find a role model you can learn from. Who do you think has a strong executive presence and why? They likely exemplify the strengths and characteristics you want to emulate. Study them and learn from their example.

Executive Presence in 2024: Some Interesting New Trends.

Sylvia Ann Hewlett is an economist, author, and the CEO of Hewlett Consulting Partners. She is also the founder and chair emeritus of the think tank Coqual, and she has taught at Columbia and Princeton universities. In an article published in the January-February 2024 edition of the Harvard Business Review, Hewlett described the findings she and her team made about the state of Executive Presence in the post-pandemic world of 2022, ten years after her initial research into the topic. Among her updated survey results are data indicating the following trends pertaining to Executive Presence:

While “confidence” and “decisiveness” remain central attributes to projecting executive presence and gravitas, pedigree (as often defined by one’s socio-economic background, family ties, elite education, privileged upbringing, race and gender) has become less important, replaced by inclusiveness and respect for others.
Regarding communication, superior speaking skills and the ability to “command a room” still lead the list of desirable attributes, but comfort using remote platforms like ZOOM, a “listen to learn” orientation, and authenticity are on the rise. Furthermore, executive presence today calls for more of a person-to-person communication style that moves away from using teleprompters, scripts, lecterns and slide shows. Eye-to-eye engagement is increasingly seen as a mark of an effective executive communicator. As Hewlett notes: “Being a standout leader in 2024 necessitates showing up both online and in the flesh.”
Authenticity is one attribute that Hewlett found had changed the most since her survey of 2012. What was deemed relatively unimportant in 2012 was seen, 10 years later, as a highly prized and essential attribute of the modern executive. Nowadays, to be considered strong leaders, executives are expected to reveal who they genuinely are instead of playing to some dated or idealized model. Authenticity implies that leaders showcase their roots and values, and act in ways consistent with those qualities. Today’s authentic leaders dress in ways that match their company’s culture, they know how to project their authenticity online, and they “show up in person” to build genuine person-to-person relationships.

A Closing Thought . . .

Whether you want to chart a path to the C-suite or just want to be perceived as a competent leader, executive presence is a skill you can develop. Remember, executive presence has nothing to do with becoming someone you’re not. Instead, it’s about bringing out the best version of your true self.

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We’re Here to Help You

Acquiring your own brand of executive presence can seem like a daunting challenge, but with guidance and practice you can get there. At Bay Area Executive Coach, we’re experts in helping leaders attain their full potential through mastery of emotional intelligence and the communication skills essential for success. Take a look at our executive coaching services. To learn how we can help you build executive presence, contact us today to have a conversation about your goals and aspirations.

To further assist you, we’ve prepared an Executive Presence Self-Assessment tool to help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses in this area. Click this link to take the Self-Assessment.

Resources

There are copious books, articles, and videos available covering every nuance of executive presence. Here are a few titles to get you started:

Books: