Executive presence isn’t one single quality—it’s an amalgamation of qualities that together give a leader a particular power and presence. Hence, as leaders assess their level of executive presence, they typically realize that they have strengths in some areas of executive presence and weaknesses in others.
In other words, evaluating your level of executive presence doesn’t mean just concluding, “No, I don’t have executive presence,” or “Yes, I am starting to display executive presence.” Rather, it means determining the specific executive presence components you’re lacking—as well as the ones you possess.
Executive presence strengths
Executive presence is made up of the following 9 qualities, grouped under the 3 domains of executive presence:
Gravitas
- Confident
- Commanding
- Charismatic
Authority
- Decisive
- Bold
- Influential
Expression
- Vocal
- Insightful
- Clear
You may already have strengths in some of these areas. A self-assessment, feedback from others, and executive presence coaching can help to identify and further develop them.
However, relying on your strengths without addressing your weaknesses would not allow you to thrive as a leader. Let’s examine some common weaknesses and then how they can affect your strengths.
Common executive presence weaknesses
What are the weaknesses I most commonly see in leaders working to develop executive presence?
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Not speaking up enough
Not being vocal enough is a major one. For most people, speaking up in group settings doesn’t come naturally, especially in meetings with leaders at higher levels. Becoming a vocal participant requires intentional practice.
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Lacking confidence
Lack of confidence will affect a leader in every executive presence domain. If you lack a strong foundation of confidence, self-doubt may prevent you from believing you can develop the other executive presence competencies. Most leaders suffer from imposter syndrome at some point in their career, which can dramatically undermine confidence.
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Not challenging the status quo
Many leaders, especially newer ones, avoid acting boldly. They fear being viewed negatively if they bring forth ideas that everyone isn’t ready to hear. In doing so, they hold back their capacity for innovative thinking that could benefit their company in far-reaching ways.
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Not seizing the moment
When a situation calls for strong leadership, great leaders step up to the plate. Those who haven’t yet become commanding let other people take the reins.
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Deliberating for too long
Many leaders deliberate for far too long on a decision. They want 100% of the information, which is almost never possible. They need to learn to trust their gut and make decisions using the information they have, within a reasonable time frame.
These are just a handful of the most common executive presence weaknesses I see in leaders, but they are some of the most pervasive.
Relationship between executive presence strengths and weaknesses
Let’s review some examples of executive presence strengths and weaknesses. They come in all combinations. For instance, you might excel in one of the three executive presence domains while struggling in others. Or, you might possess strengths and weaknesses across each domain.
Because your strengths don’t exist in a vacuum, your weaknesses can undermine them. For example, a leader could have exceptional skills in the domain of expression. He speaks clearly, contributes to most discussions, and shares great points that elevate the conversation. But he doesn’t command a room in a way that a high-level leader needs to, and he doesn’t act decisively. He knows how to speak like a leader, but he isn’t yet acting like one in other ways, as he hasn’t cultivated gravitas and authority.
Consider that even when you have certain executive presence strengths, your weaknesses in other areas of executive presence can hold you back. For instance, a leader might be very decisive and present ideas boldly, displaying a high level of authority. But her influence (one of the three components of the domain of authority) is held back by the fact that she rambles in her speech, rarely getting her point across quickly. Colleagues and senior leaders look baffled as she muddles on toward her point, and her rapport with them suffers. Her weaknesses in the domain of expression are limiting her authority.
Similarly, a leader may have powerful insights gained through taking time for regular reflection. However, he holds back from sharing his boldest ideas, for fear they’ll rock the boat too much. His weaknesses in the domain of authority are preventing his strengths in expression from shining.
Likewise, a leader may be extremely charismatic and confident. Whenever she takes the stage or takes a seat at the table, people watch her with rapt attention; she knows how to command a room. But when she needs to make a choice, she flounders. Wanting everyone to like her, she talks it out at length with each person, which proves incredibly time-consuming. This leader has a strong foundation of gravitas, but she undermines her own authority by not being decisive.
A seasoned executive presence coach can help you address your weaknesses and optimize your strengths. Contact Joel to embark on a customized executive presence coaching program that takes you to the next level of success. You can also bring him into your company to conduct an executive presence corporate training program. His book makes a great gift to your employees: Executive Presence: Step into Your Power, Convey Confidence and Lead with Conviction.
