Unlocking Executive Presence - 4

This blog is a followup to my previous three blogs on Executive Presence (Introduction to Framework) & Executive Presence (Input) & Executive Presence (Process).

We are moving to the final part of what makes "Executive Presence" - the output.

This is also the most visible part of Executive Presence.

In many leader' mind the "rocking presentation" or the "killer speech" is symbolic of executive presence. To be charismatic, to wow the audience and influence them. Undoubtedly, it's the most tangible aspect of presence.

However it will start appearing unauthentic or like a gift-wrapper if the underlying elements are not paid attention to, which include the input and process part of it.

Let's take a look at what constitutes the output.

1. Respected leadership

When you are credible (Input) and inspire trust (Process), people look up to you for who you are that makes you a respected leader.

Respect helps command the room. Respects helps people to pay attention to what you have to say. Thats the silent ingredient which helps your communication shine.

Earning respect takes time. Earning popularity doesn't.

Be the leader who likes to be respected over just being liked.

This means that you have to play the bad cop sometimes and do what is needed of you, whether others like it or not.

Reflections to get you started:

• Do I want to be liked or respected?

• Do I allow disagreements when respect is present?

• What garners respect for me?

• How is my decision making influenced by respect vs likability?

2. Influence over outcomes.

Good leaders bring in clarity that makes decision making better. They shape decisions in collaboration with others.

The ability to take decisions on high-stake context is a prerogative of executives and needs to be exercised.

Excessive dilly-dallying on decision making, procrastinating or being risk averse, spoil an executive's presence.

On the other hand, rushing to decisions, making knee jerk reactions also spoil an executive's presence. The key is to dance in the middle avoiding extremes. Sensitivity to context and people is very important.

Reflections:

• What is my equation with decision making? Do I take decisions on-time or wait till I have to?

• What is my decision making style? Autocratic, Collaborative or both? Where do I draw the line?

• How do I sift through data to extract insights?

• How do I find what is not being said?

3. Trusted relationships

   
   

It takes a village to thrive as an executive.

You need allies that support you, mentors who also critique you, coaches who challenge you, and well-wishers who have your back.

These relationships can't be built after you became an executive. They have to be built throughout your career.

Build your personal board of directors who will help you thrive. This will help you build confidence & courage in your own self, which will shine through when you need it the most.

Reflections:

• Who has your back?

• Who you are your supporters?

• Who are your challengers?

• Do you have allies - Mentors, coaches, advisors ?

4. Navigating challenges
   

   

Nothing tests an executive leader more than a full blown crisis.

A crisis calls out every ounce of everything you have got. It's a stage that can make or break a leader.

The way they handle the crisis is a clear mirror to who they are. An executive that faces crisis head-on, leads from the front, makes uncomfortable decisions and brings actions to closure is always viewed with great respect. When they talk, people listen. A crisis leader is present more than they are prepared.

Reflections:

• How do you handle bad news?

• When things do not go your way, how do you respond?

• What resilience strategies do you deploy?

5. Presentation

The culmination of the presence journey is the "presentation" or "communication" that happens from the executive to others.

This is the most visible part of "presence". The content, the speaker and the audience all matter at once. They all work together to create a magic of sorts to influence outcomes.

It needs substance more than flowery language. It needs a strong vision and grounded action. It also needs clever articulation skills to take everyone along. If an executive is inherently not a good speaker, it needs work.

Most people start here and get shallow in their approach. The great ones build their foundation with input and process and then embellish it with their communication.

Reflection:

• How do you rate yourself on your communication on a scale of 1-10?

• What can make it 10?

• What is coming in your way? Command over language, stage fright, the idea that rocks the world, the presentation style?

• What is the one small-step you will take every quarter to move the needle to close to 10?

What do you already do to be present?

What can get better?

#coaching #executivepresence #output #leadershipcoaching