{"id":37499,"date":"2022-12-10T01:25:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-10T01:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpstrategies.com\/the-core-elements-of-executive-presence\/"},"modified":"2025-01-16T11:32:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T11:32:20","slug":"the-core-elements-of-executive-presence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpstrategies.com\/blog\/the-core-elements-of-executive-presence\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Executive Presence and Why Do You Need It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This was originally published in May, 2018 and was recently updated.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive presence might be the most highly sought-after, hotly debated, and sometimes least well-defined characteristic of strong leaders. There is no doubt that the ability to have a presence is critical to leadership success. But what does it mean to have an executive presence? How can an organization move beyond a cursory definition and truly understand what\u2019s at the core of this elusive leadership need? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GP Strategies has decades of experience in leadership development and employee engagement, and we have worked with and coached<\/a> thousands of leaders. Our proprietary research<\/a>, practical experience, and partnership with thought leaders have led us back to several fundamental truths about developing executive presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Executive Presence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although executive presence is a complex mix of several attributes\u2014each deployed at the right time in the appropriate context\u2014this strong leadership quality comes down to four core elements that leaders should care about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes referred to as \u201cgravitas,\u201d leadership confidence is about expressing oneself in a way that commands both respect and approachability. This is not about arrogance but about demonstrating a sense of positivity and control. It is about reassuring others that you, as a leader, have the competence to lead, to be successful, and to lead others successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Pegeen Newman, Vice President of Talent Management at ComNet Communications, \u201cA confident leader is credible and can bring others along with them. They don\u2019t need to have all the answers, nor do they pretend to. In fact, a leader\u2019s executive presence increases when they are comfortable publicly stating, \u2018I don\u2019t know.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Awareness is a combination of self-awareness and awareness of others. It is about understanding who you are as a leader and how you come across to others. Awareness relates to emotional intelligence<\/a>\u2014the ability to read other people\u2019s signals and react appropriately to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also the ability to put yourself in the shoes of your followers to understand how they are feeling and how they are being impacted by the world around them and by you. A leader with executive presence adapts and shifts into different roles. At times, they may need to demonstrate their leadership as the captain in the room. In other situations, showing vulnerability, demonstrating empathy, and sharing their concerns displays awareness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resilience <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Resilience is the ability to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks. A resilient leader maintains their poise under stressful circumstances. When leaders can remain balanced even in the face of resistance, their executive presence shines through. In the face of controversy or criticism, a leader must not only remain confident but also remain calm. Resilient leaders stay true to their values. Followers know who they are and what they stand for, and even in the face of significant challenges, influential leaders don\u2019t waiver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbara Pelly, who coaches senior-level leaders in this area, indicates, \u201cThe most effective leaders remain calm under pressure. They know what triggers them and can manage their responses while being honest with themselves and others. They can create an environment where people can feel confident about the future and their leader even in times of ambiguity.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, confidence, awareness, and resiliency are not enough; a leader with executive presence must have the communication skills to convey all three effectively. They must be able to demonstrate that they are competent by appealing to people\u2019s rational side. At the same time, their communication must create a sense of connection with the individuals they are interacting with. Communicating intentionally<\/a> and authentically is critical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patrick Chenot, Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at Havas Health and You, recalls one such leader: \u201cI was drawn to him because he clearly communicated his vision and was likable. I could relate to him on a personal level but could also follow him due to his presence.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know you\u2019ve been with a leader who has executive presence when you feel the impact of their message long after they\u2019ve left the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Executive Presence Important? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Executive presence is pivotal for leaders and professionals aiming to inspire confidence, influence others, and drive results. Fostering executive presence can significantly enhance both individual and organizational success due to the following factors:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n