A Revelation
I’ve had a revelation this week: Executive presence is elusive because the measure of what it is changes based on the person who’s judging you. It’s like the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” There’s no universal or objective standard for beauty or for executive presence. Isn’t that a liberating thought?
So, if each person brings a personal bias and belief system to what makes up “executive presence” how do we succeed in creating the gravitas we need to lead? My recommendation is to do a few things really well:
1) Speak in memorable sound-bites. This is a level-up skill that we can all learn. What do I mean? Example: I attended the RIA Activate conference and Joe Duran gave an opening keynote. He shared a framework that he calls the “SOUL of Growth” for RIAs. SOUL stands for “Sales, Originality, Understanding and Love.” That’s a memorable framework – it’s quotable, it evokes emotion, it placed him in his authority energy, and the “love” brought the human quality we all want in our leaders.
2) Be a positive energizer. It’s often said that we attract our tribe, and that’s true at work too. You can be an introvert or extrovert, but what you want to be is a positive energizer. You exude positive achievement energy. It’s a vibe of winning and it’s been proven to create exceptional performance in organizations per research by Kirk Cameron, author of Positively Energizing Leadership.
3) Glad-hand and kiss the babies. We need to create small moments with our team, peers and leaders where we show up with positivity, energy, and an attitude of action. In today’s world, it’s not about dictating or being “hardcore,” the winners are empathetic humans. Being and showing empathy doesn’t mean you’re “weak.” Rather, empathy means being understanding when understanding is needed. And, as Joe Duran said at RIA Activate, people do business with YOU.
For more about executive presence, check out the latest Kick It Open podcast with Jackie Knolhoff. Jackie has two decades of experience in media relations, helping firms and advisors navigate media to build their brands. Because there’s SO much to discuss, we center our conversation around a Forbes article by Terina Allen titled “Executive Presence: 8 Warnings Signs That You Don’t Have It.” Just remember, executive presence is your brand - it’s YOUR story to tell.
BTW - If you haven’t joined Muriel Network’s digital community yet, do it! Here’s a link for a complimentary membership. If you and I both go, it will be incredible.
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