Leading with Executive Presence
SaaS and Tech companies have long been agents of change in professional settings. Similar to how office environments and attire have evolved, these companies have given the old-school idea of executive presence a makeover. Once associated with a commanding aura, a certain gravitas, and an almost unapproachable air of authority, this high-value skill is becoming a blend of authentic approachability, empathy, inclusion, and more.
Those who are tapping into their executive presence are more likely to inspire trust, drive innovation, and lead successful teams - even accounting for 26% of the factors that contribute to career advancement.
This article shares what executive presence is and outlines practices you can focus on for leadership growth.
What is Executive Presence
Executive presence is a mix of personal and interpersonal skills that a leader uses to influence others, drive results, and foster an environment of trust and respect. It's about how a leader acts, communicates, and presents themselves, combined with their ability to connect with and inspire those around them.
The way we work has drastically changed with remote and hybrid work. Wearing hoodies, working with the noise of family members and pets, has been normalized over the past few years. And still, remembering that the way we engage and show up sends signals about our leadership, is super important.
Here’s our take on modern day leadership presence.
Practices for Improving Executive Presence
Whether you’re currently leading a team or have your eyes set on a leadership promotion, working on how you communicate, appear, and listen will benefit you and your team’s growth.
Communication
Getting your voice into the conversation in a way that adds value and uplifts those you are interacting with. Some practices include:
Asking clarifying questions rather than instinctively arguing or supporting your point.
Waiting to respond or learning how to interrupt respectfully.
Speaking clearly and stating ideas with confidence.
Appearance
With more happening in a hybrid or remote environment, your virtual appearance is just as impactful as if you were in the office. The comfort of home is tempting, but here are some ways to rock your video presence:
Keep your cameras on. This builds trust and provides important visual cues for understanding and interpreting others. Additionally, having your camera on signals to everyone that the meeting is important and requires focus and engagement.
Keep cameras steady. Eliminate distracting movements by putting your computer (or webcam) on a stationary item, like a desk, versus sitting on your lap.
Be human and connect. This includes smiling more, making eye contact, and interacting like you would if you were in person. Of course, not every meeting is “fun and games,” but being present and thoughtfully engaging throughout meetings fosters more collaborative environments.
Listening
Yes, leading requires a lot of delegation, direction, and consultation. However, active and mindful listening is an opportunity to gain new perspectives and make others feel seen. You may be surprised by those who rise to the occasion or what problems you solve when hearing someone out. Practice listening by:
Being fully present and putting aside distractions like phones or looking at other monitors.
Asking open-ended questions to create space for someone to speak.
Letting others finish their thoughts without interrupting.
Showing nonverbal engagement like nodding your head or other appropriate cues.
Repeating and clarifying what you heard to ensure understanding.
Embracing Discomfort
Starting to incorporate these practices might feel like wearing new shoes – a bit awkward at first, but soon the most comfortable pair you own. More important is embodying executive presence in a way that is authentic and natural to you as you embrace growth.
Setting Yourself Apart as a Leader
Just as you are a unique individual, executive presence encourages infusing your personality into your leadership style – be it through your visionary ideas, energetic approach, or intentional communication.
How Do You Manage celebrates your unique approach and provides tailored coaching to elevate your executive presence, setting you apart as a leader who is effective and inspiring to others.