It’s a topic worth exploring to understand the meaning and different points of view. While doing a little research some of the keys words and phrases I found to describe executive presence were:
- Ability to command a room
- Confident
- Speaks with authority
- People stop and listen
- Firm handshake
- Well groomed
- Polished
- Poised
All valid points worth paying attention to.
My perception of executive presence is a little different. I think it’s an inside-out job. For me, it means a leader’s ability to have in the moment focus and see me right where I am. It’s the experience of speaking with someone when you know you have their complete, undivided attention. In that singular moment, no one else exists. It’s just you and them.
That’s powerful. That’s presence.
As I was pulling together my thoughts for this piece I recalled a first-hand experience of executive presence. It had been a trying week at work and there was no indication of relief in sight. In fact, I suspected things would get much worse before they got better. Our leader was in town for the day and she knew of my challenges. She was cordial, in ‘leader’ mode, and I had no expectation we would speak privately. Frankly, I didn’t think anything of not having 1:1 time with her because I was a leader and part of that responsibility is to embody the role and rise to the occasion – no matter how challenging.
In the hurry of the day, we ended up standing next to one other; unexpectedly, she turned to me and simply asked ‘how are you?’ This was no ordinary three word question. She was fully there with me in that moment and for a brief instant I was seen. It was respite from the chaos and provided encouragement for the difficulties ahead. Seen. Respite. Encouragement. Not a bad outcome for a leader who knew how to practice presence. She also embodied all the other above traits– confident, poised, polished, spoke with authority.
Also, this simple act somehow had an interesting byproduct; it translated into me wanting to work harder for this leader. It begs the question: how does presence affect another’s behavior?
My experience says this kind of presence is rooted in knowing why you’re here, who you are, and what you’re not. It’s grounded in both self-awareness and vulnerability; it’s about empathy; it’s about understanding another before being understood.
How do we accomplish this kind of presence?
The first step is to see ourselves. Next, find our personal edge and begin to grow capacity. As we begin to cultivate self-awareness and incorporate self-acceptance it expands our capacity to do this for another. This kind of presence has the ability to touch everyone in the room. And, perhaps, inspire and effectuate change. Getting to know who we are and why we’re here directly affects our ability to lead ourselves, others, and ultimately our organizations.
So, the next time someone wants your attention – pause and be completely present in that singular moment. The outcome may surprise you.
