Category Archives: Executive Coaching Articles

Paul hesitantly walked toward Kevin’s office, unsure why a superior three levels above him had invited him into his office. Should he be concerned or excited? His anxiety brewed. Kevin was just one level below the CEO of their multi-billion-dollar biotechnology company, and Paul had never formally met with him before, let alone been invited to his office. His heart beat faster, and he wanted to turn around.

Kevin jumped right in by saying that Paul’s performance, talents, and overall track record were all excellent. “You are great at what you do, and you’re a high-potential leader that top management has its eyes on,” he said. Elated, Paul started to completely relax. He even thought, maybe he’s wanting to give me my boss’s job.

Without Executive Presence, Leaders Success Comes to Halt

Then, Kevin said something that really shook Paul up. “This conversation isn’t about today; it’s about your future,” he … Continue reading Executive Presence for Leaders →

Learn how to cultivate your leadership presence by developing the foundational qualities of executive presence. Powerful leaders radiate gravitas, authority, and the power of expression—both in person and in virtual communication. By exuding these three pillars of executive presence, you’ll cultivate a strong executive presence that senior leadership will notice.

Gravitas

Leaders with gravitas are confident, commanding, and charismatic. These qualities define how they show up in every situation. They radiate self-assurance whether they’re in front of a group of peers or a mixed team of senior leaders and colleagues.

To demonstrate confidence, share your opinions with conviction in meetings. Be aware of your body language, sitting up straight, making eye contact, and projecting your voice. Don’t shy away from debates; instead, welcome the chance to explore the merits of an idea. To become more commanding, confront challenges without hesitation. Step up when Continue reading Gain Leadership Presence with 3 Critical Behaviors →

Taking action to cultivate executive presence will lead others to take you more seriously at work and give you access to new opportunities. This graph, from my book Executive Presence, shows what motivates leaders to improve their executive presence:

With executive presence, you’ll stand out, gain influence, get more from your team—and, of course, have the opportunity to advance.

Wondering how to improve your executive presence? These 21 ideas are each a core piece of the puzzle. Together, they’ll help you cultivate a well-rounded range of 9 executive presence qualities in the three foundational domains: gravitas, authority, and expression.

Ask for feedback.

Keep in mind that people may not fully comprehend what executive presence means, or whether you embody it. So, ask specific questions on the 9 executive presence competencies and how you show up in different contexts. (“When I’m giving a presentation, what … Continue reading How to Improve Executive Presence →

Executive presence can be hard to evaluate—at least, without the right tools. But good tools, like discussion questions on the executive presence competencies, can help you quickly begin to understand your level of executive presence.

Do you display a strong executive presence in your role? And which executive presence qualities do you most need to develop? These 9 executive presence discussion questions will help you identify areas for growth, as well as hidden strengths.

9 Executive Presence Discussion Questions How do you feel around leaders who are senior to you? Do you convey confidence around them, or are you timid and quiet?

Consider how you act around people like your boss’s boss. Do you hold back around leaders at that level, not projecting confidence and allowing your strengths to shine?

Confidence is a core executive presence quality you need to display in every type of interaction. Often … Continue reading 9 Helpful Executive Presence Discussion Questions →

An executive presence quiz will give you a clear sense of how well you show up with executive presence in your work. A well-developed quiz will cover the various facets of executive presence to give you a strong understanding of your overall ability.

By taking this executive presence questionnaire, you’ll learn whether you’re showing up as a leader with executive presence —or whether you have a lot of work to do.

After taking this executive presence quiz, you can also do self-evaluations on specific executive presence competencies. In my book Executive Presence: Step into Your Power, Convey Confidence and Lead with Conviction, I share self-evaluations on each of the 9 executive presence qualities so you can learn where you most need to grow.

Executive Presence Questionnaire

Give yourself one point for each of the following statements that describes you.

When I speak, I … Continue reading Executive Presence Quiz/Questionnaire | How Do You Show Up? →

Does executive presence matter less in an online environment? If your company has gone remote, is executive presence less essential?

Not a chance. In fact, it’s even more critical than ever, because strong leadership is needed to unite a dispersed team. And when you’re looking for new leads, a new senior-level role, or new recruits—or just to make a great impression on people within and outside of your organization—executive presence is vital.

You can absolutely cultivate executive presence online, using a distinct set of strategies. Let’s explore some tactics for developing executive presence on LinkedIn, Zoom, and other platforms.

9 Tips for Developing Executive Presence on LinkedIn Design your leadership brand.

To leave a strong impression when you’re not speaking face to face (or speaking at all), you need to double down on projecting a strong brand. Begin by defining three core … Continue reading Developing Executive Presence on LinkedIn →

In recent years, the increased focus on executive presence has led to the emergence of powerful insights. These executive presence statistics demonstrate the importance of executive presence for leaders in any field.

Executive presence statistic #1 – showing the importance of executive presence

Top executives emphasize the importance of executive presence. Executive presence makes up 26% of what will take a leader to the next level, found Coqual (formerly the Center for Talent Innovation). In other words, executive presence gives leaders that critical advantage over the competition. It takes them from being technically qualified to equipped to inspire and coach a team to success, playing a crucial role in professional advancement.

Executive presence statistic #2 – how to get executive presence

Most leaders have to grow executive presence; few people are naturally imbued with a full set of executive presence … Continue reading Executive Presence Statistics →

Executive presence is absolutely crucial for advancement and success at a high level. It telegraphs that you are in charge and have what it takes to handle any situation. Maybe you are beginning to emanate a nascent form of executive presence, meaning you display executive presence qualities in certain situations. You might be inspiring and charismatic with your immediate team members, or persuasive with your clients, but less so when around senior leaders. Or maybe you’re starting from square one. Either way, these executive presence tips will help you reach the next level of success.

Take command of situations.

Do you typically sit back and wait for your boss to assign projects and tasks to you? That’s the wrong approach if you want to exude executive presence. Instead, look for opportunities to take charge. On Monday morning, think to yourself, “This week, I will look for opportunities to Continue reading Top 8 Executive Presence Tips →

By cultivating a strong executive presence, you’ll achieve more in your current role—whatever level you’re at. And if you aspire to move up in the organizational hierarchy, executive presence will make you a strong contender for any position. Whether you’re at the top of the ladder or vying for your first leadership role, these executive presence exercises will help you develop the crucial qualities that every leader needs to possess.

7 Executive Presence Exercises to Elevate Your Leadership Presence Read over the meeting agenda and prepare your thoughts.

Jot down notes about the contributions you want to make for each topic. Consider whether you have an important topic to add to the agenda, too. Do you have an announcement to make about your project, or a new initiative to propose?

Set a goal for how many times to speak up. Pinpoint which agenda items relate … Continue reading Executive Presence & Leadership Presence Exercises →

Executive presence is absolutely vital for sales leaders. Whether you’re a first-time sales manager or a member of the C-suite, executive presence will make you more effective at what you do. Let’s examine the most important benefits of executive presence in sales, and then how to set about cultivating it. You’ll also learn how to stop undermining your executive presence, according to research on executive presence.

Why do sales leaders need executive presence?

Here are several main reasons why leaders in sales need executive presence.

Cultivating the power of persuasion.

Customers will understand your value proposition and believe it will change their lives, or how they do business, for the better. By projecting confidence and charisma, you’ll win over your audience. Communicating clearly with customers.

You’ll avoid disappointment and frustration if customers clearly understand what you’re offering. As you grow executive presence, you’ll … Continue reading 7 Steps to Executive Presence for Sales Leaders →