As an executive recruiter, I frequently engage in conversations with leaders aspiring to elevate their careers. One term that consistently emerges is Executive Presence (EP). So, what exactly is it, and how does it influence your career trajectory?
Executive Presence isn't a singular attribute; it's a composite of traits and behaviours that command respect and inspire others. According to Sylvia Ann Hewlett, the author of "Executive Presence," EP is a blend of behaviours and traits that send a specific message, influencing how others perceive us.
In the executive panel interviews I facilitate, I've observed that a positive Executive Presence can serve as a career accelerator, while a lacklustre one can act as a roadblock. While leadership and strategic skills remain paramount in executive hiring, the importance of cultivating your EP cannot be overstated.
The influence of Executive Presence extends beyond the surface. It subtly shapes conscious and unconscious assessments of your leadership capabilities. When key decision-makers evaluate you for a job, or a promotion or a critical project, your EP often becomes an unspoken factor. It serves as a lens through which others view your leadership acumen, strategic foresight, and ability to navigate complex challenges. Your Executive Presence can either amplify or diminish your professional strengths.
Hewlett breaks down Executive Presence into three core components:
So, what undermines our Executive Presence? Here are five common detractors I've observed:
We're all busy, but it's still important to develop your EP, just like you do your other skill sets.
Here are four things you can practice at work:
Know Your Audience: Before any interaction consider who your audience is and what signals you want to send during interactions.
Practice Grace Under Fire: Mastering composure during stressful situations is key. It not only elevates your EP but also portrays you as a grounded leader.
Identify your EP Strengths and Weaknesses: Work with a trusted colleague to pinpoint your EP strengths and your biggest EP weakness. Working on this can be a game-changer.
PBSB Technique: Before speaking, Pause, Breathe, Smile, and then Begin. Taking a moment to pause then breathe, then smile before you speak portrays you as grounded and in control, this technique is especially useful during high-stakes executive interviews.
Executive Presence is more than how you act, speak, or look; it's the message you send to the world and it influences what others think about you. Just as you work on your leadership skills, it is important to work on your Executive Presence too.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you got any EP advice you'd like to share with our community?
Feel free to reach out to me at Gerard@kingstonhumancapital.com.au.