Successful leadership and executive presence go hand in hand. After all, one measure of a leader is the ability to influence others, and as Walt Whitman wrote in 1856, “We convince by our presence.”
Whether we are talking about executive presence, professional presence, or even stage presence, the differences between these various types of presence are contextual; presence is all about how we show up in a given context. It is the weather we bring with us, how others see us and how we make them feel. It is our body language, facial expressions, eye contact, our vibe or energy.
So, attend to your grooming and attire, be yourself (your best self), and learn to be present. But to effectively develop your executive presence, also focus on how you connect with others, how you show up, the trust and loyalty you engender, and the confidence (and humility) you project.
Over the many years that I’ve taught and coached executives, I’ve encountered more than a few myths about what executive presence is. Here are three major fallacies:
John Krajicek is an executive coach for the Center for Executive and Leadership Education at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
Myth 1: Executive presence is all about what you wear.
Yes, one aspect of executive presence is certainly attire and grooming, but it is far from the only (or most important) aspect. Much like what you wear to a job interview, the wrong attire and grooming can certainly erode your executive presence, but the right attire is just a start.
Myth 2: To have executive presence, you must be an extrovert.
I have coached thousands of students and executives on public speaking, and some of my very best public speakers have been self-described introverts. Introverts are often excellent listeners, projecting an enviable quiet charisma (extroverts, on the other hand, can sometimes be me-focused, too intent on impressing others). The truth is, there is no one formula for executive presence; it can look as different as people are different. And one key to executive presence, in fact, is authenticity. Be yourself. But be your best self. Read the room and be your best self for a given context.
Myth 3: Executive presence is only about being present.
It’s no coincidence that the words present and presence are etymologically connected. And, yes, one very important aspect of effective executive presence is our ability to be fully present in the moment, fully connected to what is happening here and now. In this culture of speed and busyness we find ourselves in, that is getting more and more difficult. But it is critical for effective executive presence.