Executive Presence is a hot topic right now: anyone working in a business environment with an eye for moving up the ladder wants to develop their management skills and be perceived as a natural leader.
In essence, they want to develop their Executive Presence. But when it comes to Executive Presence – those leadership skills that seem to come so naturally to some – is it an ability that some people are just born with or can it be honed, refined and developed from scratch?
In short, the answer is a resounding YES! The truth is, nobody is born to do anything. We learn as we grow. We gain skills and abilities that allow us to function in the world.
Everyone’s Journey toward Executive Presence is Different
Like anything in life, Executive Presence evolves in an individual as he or she interacts with parents, mentors, colleagues and training events. If you’re motivated to learn and grow, you will acquire this presence more quickly.In other words, if you want to learn to have Executive Presence, it is available to you and it will certainly help you move up to the C-Suite.
In truth, some people adopt Executive Presence earlier than others, and yes, to some people it comes more easily, just like some people have a natural proclivity for chess or public speaking. For me, it took time. I didn’t go to college or come from a family that exuded Executive Presence, but I wanted to add that skill to my toolbox so I worked at it.
How to Develop Executive Presence
The first key to really embodying Executive Presence is to realize that it’s not all about you. Although Executive Presence will likely have the side effect of increased pay, more responsibility in the office and more leadership opportunities, the truth is that Executive Presence is mostly about sharing warmth and caring about other people. Listening, seeking solutions, and understanding how each person on your team works best.
Can Executive Presence be Taught
Give yourself the necessary time to develop your executive presence
The process of developing Executive Presence may challenge you. If you like to have control like I do – and many other ambitious, career-driven people do – you will have to learn to delegate.If you like to micromanage, that is another habit that will have to be given up. Blame, lack of integrity and inattention to detail are habits that will have to go if you want to truly embody Executive Presence. And those habits can be hard to drop!
However, if you have the drive to help other people shine where they’re great, build and lead successful teams, and give yourself some practical new career skills, you will very likely see success in your endeavor to boost your Executive Presence. Many others have done it before you, and many others will do it after you. And none of them were just simply “born” with it!
Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. ~ Sophia Loren
Have you ever heard that quote “Beauty is only Skin Deep”? Beauty comes from within and then reflects on the outside. As women, we are always comparing ourselves to others. We compare the way we dress, how well put together we are, how confident we are… then we start judging ourselves. Our internal thoughts become fixated on if only I could look and be just like “HER”- we all have our own list of names right?
We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and start acknowledging who we are and how we stand out in the crowd. Once you start using your own gifts you begin to see your own beauty. Mirroring your inner gifts with your outer image is when your true beauty comes alive.
Can Executive Presence be Taught? Yes!
If you’re serious about becoming “executive material,” let’s talk. I love working with people who are ready to take their career to the next level. Contact me to get in touch and set up a time to speak one-on-one.
good article Dawn. I think the topic is hot because people are having to get serious about how they show up professionally in-person and online. Thanks for sharing your ideas and approach that these skills can be learned.