Is executive presence the way someone dresses? The tone of their voice? The language they use? Is it all of the above, or something else entirely?

Much has been written about “executive presence.” The words used to describe the qualities we might call executive presence don’t really do it justice. 

We define executive as “having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect.” That defines the role, but not really the essence. 

We define presence as “the impressive manner or appearance of a person.” Okay. What does that mean? Impressive to whom? What style of appearance?

When you put those two together, executive presence is defined as “a person having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect who has an impressive manner or appearance.” What do you think? Does this describe executive presence to you? If so, what’s so great about it?

Here’s my take:

  1. Ralph Waldo Emerson shared an insight that captures the essence of executive presence: “What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”  In other words, executive presence is that ineffable quality we have a hard time describing. It shows up before you say a word or take an action. We know it when we see it, or I should say, sense it. It is what you are.
  2. Executive presence is an inside-out job, and the part that really matters is presence. You can exude presence whether or not you have an executive role. The power of presence, used for good, influences others to believe and trust you, given the choice. If you are in a position of power, the quality of your presence is what can motivate others to go above and beyond. It can create the kind of dedication that inspires great things.
  3. We all have presence, whether we’re executives or not. We just might not have learned how to access or share it. We aren’t conscious of it, and therefore might be creating effects we are unaware of or don’t intend. 

Presence is power. So, if you’re in an executive role and have the power to impact others in a big way, it’s a good idea to become aware of how it’s showing up now and make some choices about how you want to use it. If you want to be an executive, it’s a great way to position yourself. People love working with and being led by a powerfully positive presence. 

So, here are the first three steps to engage your executive presence:

  1. Know where you’re starting. Be open to learning how others currently experience your presence, and what you might be unconsciously doing to both help and hinder your efforts to lead or create. This includes taking assessments and receiving debriefs. Done in a compassionate, optimistic manner, this information can “set you free!”
  2. Choose your focus. What’s most important to you? What reflects your values? Your why? What area of your life or work do you most want to grow? What vision are you working toward? Regardless of your specific focus, once you decide to engage your presence consciously, you will impact all areas of your life and work.
  3. Learn the techniques to take control of your monkey mind. We’ve all got one, and it is often running the show without our knowledge. We now have tools that can give us the clarity and ability to get off autopilot and choose differently.

Executive presence is not something you put on. It’s something you discover within yourself and allow. The way you dress, your tone of voice, the language you use – your nonverbal communication follows your decision to do this inside-out work, as does your creative capacity to reach your goals and strategic objectives by engaging others in a fulfilling and empowering way.

If you’re interested in discovering your executive presence, I offer an Executive Presence Coaching Program and would love to talk with you! I can be reached at [email protected]. Until then, be well!