Although executive presence may seem like a natural ability that predisposes some professionals to the executive suite, it is an essential skill that requires hard work. To develop this important trait, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics that make up executive presence. Understanding why executive presence is vital in the workplace can also be beneficial.
Today, we define executive presence, including its features and benefits, and provide tips for improving it in the workplace.
What is executive presence?
Executive presence is all about personality and character traits that make an executive dynamic. It is the ability to inspire others to be assertive in their roles by consistently demonstrating confidence and transparent leadership.
Executive presence enables leaders to understand the needs of their team members in correlation with the needs of the business.
An executive’s presence is made up of many individual characteristics that are essential to good leadership. When combined, they form an executive who can become the driving force of a company. For this reason, employees with executive presence skills often occupy leadership positions.
8 Characteristics of Executive Presence
Here are some characteristics of executive presence:
- Composure
Composure encompasses self-awareness and the ability to present yourself in a disciplined yet attractive manner. It is the ability to control emotions and respond to situations with professionalism. Composure at work is a vital characteristic of managing unexpected situations and team members’ emotions.
- Connection
Connection refers to the interpersonal skills you can use to develop professional relationships and foster productivity. These relational skills can foster teamwork and help a leader identify differences in communication styles. It also includes the ability to adapt to new work styles while promoting effective communication.
- Confidence
Executive confidence is the ability to take on daily responsibilities confidently. This includes exercising boldness and composure when leading or attending meetings, giving presentations, or interacting with team members. Confidence is influenced by many factors, including non-verbal communication skills and consistency between gestures when communicating with team members at all levels.
- Credibility
Credibility is how you communicate. It is the language and resources you use when giving information or direction. Your reputation supports this communication, as it lends essential credentials to the information you report. Credibility also includes the processes by which information is gathered, and sources are credited. People listen to an executive because of his powerful communication methods and because they believe he is qualified to present the information.
- Character
Character refers to your inner traits and values. It includes an executive’s beliefs about himself, others, and the world in which he works. People with executive presence often have high emotional intelligence, which can help them connect with team members at all levels. The character also includes the ethics and morals one has and how they influence their work.
- Command
Leadership refers to your efficient ability to lead a team. This encompasses many skills crucial to confidently and confidently leading a team. It includes the ability to present, listen, direct and delegate. Influential leaders can also make decisions that benefit the entire company and individual team members.
- Charisma
Charisma is your ability to attract others and encourage them to trust you. It encompasses powerful communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Charisma also includes the ability to focus on a single situation and identify how it affects company goals. Encourage others to interact and work with you.
- Concision
Conciseness is your ability to manage time with clarity and direction. It includes the ability to present all the necessary details without overwhelming others. It also involves identifying a person’s ability to understand the information you give them. This encourages effective communication between team members, which leads to productivity.
Benefits of Executive Presence Managers
An executive presence is often desirable when companies are looking for candidates. Here are some benefits of improving this character trait:
- When an executive team member has an executive presence, it often improves company morale. His energetic leadership helps employees feel more satisfied in their jobs and increases awareness of their job duties and appreciation of their performance.
- Better employee morale leads to a lower turnover rate. This can minimize the recruitment and training costs of hiring new employees, helping the company maximize its resources.
- When employees are more satisfied and respected by their leaders, they are more likely to be productive. Higher productivity rates can increase company success rates.
- Having an executive presence often means having the self-awareness to identify needed changes in the business. This heightened awareness of the changes can also help leaders and teammates better prepare for a changing work environment.
Even if you already possess the traits of an executive presence, you can always benefit from improving these skills.
