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Executive presence. By: A. V. Vedpuriswar. July 7, 2011. What is executive presence ?. Executive presence refers to the ability to make an impact on a group quickly.
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Executive presence By: A. V. Vedpuriswar July 7, 2011
What is executive presence ? • Executive presence refers to the ability to make an impact on a group quickly. • Think of people who make a polished entrance into a meeting room, get to know people quickly, warmly shake hands and forge personal connections spontaneously. • When such people speak, others listen. • Their voice is full of conviction instead of equivocation. • They inspire loyalty and convey a high degree of warmth and authenticity. • They speak with a level of personal engagement and clarity of thought that make it clear they are different from others.
The personal dimensions of executive presence • Passion: Conveying our motivation, drive, and engagement so that others are convinced of our commitment to what we are saying and doing. • Poise: Displaying a look of sophistication and cool that conveys clearly we are comfortable in our skin. • Self Confidence: Having an air of optimism and assurance that leaves others in little doubt that we can initiate and lead.
The communications dimensions of executive presence • Candor: Being truthful and honest, with a willingness to accept and engage the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. • Clarity: Being able tocreate and tell our story in an intuitively clear and compelling way. • Openness: Being willing to consider other points of view without prejudging them.
The relational dimensions of executive presence • Thoughtfulness: Being able to convey an interest in other people and the relationship with them. • Sincerity: Believing in and meaning what we say. • Warmth: Being accessible to others, physically and emotionally.
10 Aspects of Executive Presence (1) • Authenticity. Open, straightforward, comfortable with ourselves; no backbiting or sugarcoating. • Passion. Loving and feeling strongly about what we do and how we do it. • Clarity. Communicating thoughts, feelings, and insights with clarity and simplicity. • Intelligence. Understanding and grasping the essence of the points and responding quickly. • Insight. Being able to understand complex factors and assimilate reams of data to draw rare conclusions.
10 Aspects of Executive Presence (2) • Determination. Driven and full of purpose, determined to achieve and succeed. • Confidence. Not overconfident, but with enough self-doubt to be objective. • Humility. Willing to admit mistakes and accept, that others may know more. • Courage. Ready to take risks and take a position against considerable odds. • Humor. Able to laugh at ourselves and make light of some complex situations
Creating a More Powerful Executive Presence • We must get two things right. • We must develop the communication skills that project executive presence. • At the same time, we must remain genuine and sincere. • Getting both of them right, leads to an authentic executive presence.
Balancing impression management with authenticity • Expressing ourselves in the appropriate way is nothing but impression management. • Impression management determines how we come across to others and engage with them. • But trying to make false messages appear sincere, or projecting qualities that aren’t there will not work. • Real executive presence is established over time through practisingbehavior that creates a picture of who we are in the minds of others.
Five steps • 1. Using body language and visual image to convey confidence • Stand erect • Walk confidently in an unhurried way • Use steady eye contact • Shake hands firmly. • Lean forward and be engaged in meetings. • Don't get distracted by the Blackberry • Pay attention to dress and grooming
Voice modulation • 2. Developing an authoritative voice • Speak with energy • Modulate the voice • Avoid irritating mannerisms • Slow down speaking rate. • Pause confidently when needed to emphasise a point and retain the attention of the audience.
Sound confident, keep it simple • 3. Avoiding tentative language such as • "I think ... "; • "I'm not sure ... " • 4. Keeping the message simple and clear • Stick to the main theme, don’t digress • Think first, then talk. • Don't share your internal debate with others • Talk big picture, not details
Connecting with others • 5. Connecting with others • Become aware of others by observing and responding to their body language • Listen more, talk less. • Value the opinion of others • Take advantage of "hallway conversations" to connect informally before formal presentations