9 Vital Executive Presence Traits
and Qualities to Develop
The 9 traits presented in this Executive Presence Model represent the ideal qualities, behaviors, mindset, and habits of a successful leader. Each of them will help you become a more confident, powerful business leader. Employees who increase their executive presence know how to assume more responsibility, seek and receive high-profile projects, and perform job functions that significantly impact the bottom line. As you grow your executive presence through these qualities, you’ll enhance your ability to stand out and make a difference in the executive environment. To fully understand the foundation of these traits, learn what is executive presence and why it matters for your leadership success.
3 Important Domains of Executive Presence
By exemplifying the 9 key qualities of executive presence, you’ll become your most successful professional self. Here are the top 3 domains. Each domain has 3 competencies dedicated to them.
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The 9 Key Executive Presence Traits
and Qualities
GRAVITAS
If you have gravitas, you possess the following three traits, allowing you to make a memorable impression on everyone you interact with.
– Confident
You are in command of the situation—composed, grounded, and strong. You lead with the assuredness that you can do it. You’re assertive, decisive, and willing to take risks.
– Commanding
In every situation, others perceive your presence and power. They notice when you’re in the room; when you speak, people pay attention. People are inclined to defer to your reasoning.
– Charismatic
You radiate appeal, enthusiasm, personal charm, and an optimistic attitude. People are drawn to you, and you show a strong interest in them. Your authentic style is engaging to others.
AUTHORITY
If you’re a leader with authority, you are decisive, bold, and influential. Here’s what that means in practice.
– Decisive
You take charge and drive toward a solution. You make up your mind quickly and arrive at a clear decision with certainty. You don’t waver or hesitate.
– Bold
You are willing to make bold decisions, putting a stake in the ground and owning your position. You stand by your beliefs and convictions. You are willing to challenge and push back.
– Influential
You are convincing and compelling. You incite others to action. Your articulate and assertive points of view persuade others to believe in the ideas you believe in. You can effectively counter-argue with anyone.
EXPRESSION
If you lead with strong expression, you are vocal, insightful, and clear. Here’s what that looks.
– Vocal
You share your thoughts and ideas without hesitation. You’re forthcoming with your opinions. Your voice and presence are visible to others. You make your expertise, competence, and talents known.
– Insightful
You make great recommendations. You ask excellent questions and share ideas precisely, confidently, and with conviction. You are known for smart thinking and critical analysis.
– Clear
When you speak, you are succinct and to the point. Your message is clear and crisp; you are straightforward and direct. You’re polished and know how to communicate without qualifier or filler words, punctuating your key points for added effect.
Executive-level performance coaching will guide you in developing all of these competencies. As you model all 9 qualities, you’ll become seen as an equal to your organization’s senior leaders, no matter what level you’re currently at.
Master These Executive Presence Qualities
Learning and using these 9 executive presence traits will quickly move you toward the levels of management and responsibility that you desire. In addition, you will make a strong contribution and have a powerful impact on your company’s bottom line. You will become a more valuable employee and, in turn, you will boost your company’s value. Executive presence coaching services can help you get there, becoming a vital asset to your company who gets the recognition you deserve.
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