7 Ways To Build Your ‘Executive Presence’ And Look Like a Pro
Have you ever noticed that people who “get lucky” in business often look fantastic, too? I’m not talking about natural beauty – although that doesn’t hurt – instead, I’m talking about looking the part.
They’re put together, they’re confident, their styles are up-to-date, and they look like they could handle anything.
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Here’s a big lesson when it comes to Executive Presence: half the battle is just looking and acting the part. Your Executive Image is everything and will open doors for you in your professional and personal life. Whether you are dining our with other executives to preparing for a presentation, we can help.
Here are 7 tips to update your Executive Image this month
Tip #1: Always Be Prepared
Whether you’re gearing up for a day of interacting with your team, the boardroom, or speaking to a large convention, be prepared. When you’re prepared, you’re more confident in your speaking and your non-verbal communication as well.
Believe it or not, most people don’t prepare. They think, “I don’t have time to prepare for this, so I’ll wing it and see what happens.” Being prepared and polished can even include small things, like getting your nails done if you’re a female, and will always leave a more positive impression on your audience, no matter what you’re doing.
Tip #2: Know Your Audience
Connecting with your audience is everything – and when you go out into the world as a professional, everyone is your audience. The ability to fully understand what your audience is looking for and be able to speak to that is crucial.
For instance, if you’re going to speak to a group of construction workers, would you wear a three-piece suit? No, because they couldn’t connect with that. It won’t resonate with them. Coming in with a nice pair of jeans, a buttoned-up shirt and a blazer will make a much better impression.
Click here to get my Top 5 Favorite Blogs for Corporate Style Trends
Tip #3: Work on your Mindset
Approaching work with a positive mindset will make a world of difference in your career, and part of that is managing whether you allow other people or influences to affect your positive mood.
Believe me, there are many things and people who will try to sabotage your optimistic and can-do attitude. You might notice that a particular television show gets you down, or a certain friend or colleague is always talking poorly about others. Be mindful of where you place your energy and time, because those things will certainly have an influence on you!
Tip #4: Cultivate Correct Posture and Body Language
Your non-verbal communication speaks volumes about who you are and what you’re capable of – and it can make or break a first impression. And by the way, this encompasses the clothing and accessories that you choose!
Work on standing tall, looking people in the eye, and spreading happiness and joy wherever you go. No one wants to work with a downer!
Tip #5: Set Boundaries
Religion, sex and politics are off the table in a professional environment. Period. Now to be clear, I do believe in political involvement, but expressing strong political views in the workplace can seriously alienate you from your colleagues, so be careful when you’re in conversation with a colleague and it turns to politics.
This can be especially tricky now with the current political climate. Tempers are running high, and it’s challenging to have a conversation that doesn’t turn into a heated debate. One debate isn’t worth losing relationships over, so keep your cool and stay away from the political talk.
Tip #6: Mind Your Language
Your language and word choice go hand in hand with your non-verbal communication (in other words, if you walk into the room dressed sharp as a tack and open your mouth and start talking trash, your image will instantly tarnish).
Learn how to speak on a topic passionately without insulting others or diminishing your gravitas. Expressing passion is actually a powerful way to build your Executive Image, but only if it’s appropriately managed.
Tip #7: Believe in Yourself
When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you, too. It rarely goes the other way around, especially in an office environment. Confidence comes from the gut. Power comes from within, and when you tap into a sense of power and capability, people will like you, trust you and follow you anywhere.
BONUS TIP: Dress the Part
Our physical appearance speaks volumes to how we wish to be perceived. Wear clothing that fits properly, is modern and reflects your personality. Take care of your facial hair, your hands and your shoes and accessories. The better you cultivate your physical appearance, the more confident you’ll feel – and that can truly affect how you walk and talk and move through your day for the better!
If you’d like help crafting your Executive Presence so you can move up in your company, let’s talk.
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