Executive Presence - Do You Have What It Takes?

Several weeks ago, I attended a conference when someone in the group approached me and said, " You have gravitas." I admit that at first, I wasn't sure what he meant, although, from his tone and body language, it was a good thing. I thought I knew what he meant, but I found the definition just to be clear.

gravitas (noun): high seriousness, dignity, presence, (figuratively) substance

Okay. I can be quite serious, and sometimes, my words can carry some weight with others. I'd like to think that I am a man of substance.

Then, I read an article about executive presence and noted that gravitas is included in the description of what others see as executive presence.

Okay. Enough about me already. Why does any of this matter?

There are all sorts of great leaders in the world.

Some are cheerleaders.

Some are great listeners.

Some are great orators.

Others are charismatic.

Some are extroverts, others introverts.

But here's the thing: You don't have to be any of these, or you can be all of these and still be a great leader. Or not.

In a recent Harvard Business Review magazine article, New Rules of Executive Presence, by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, what we expect of leaders has changed over the last ten years.

Certainly, you have felt it. Things are different now for leaders. Yet, from where I stand, many things are the same. Take AI, for instance.

Artificial Intelligence / Counter Intelligence

Nearly every day, you and I read about or hear about AI and how it will affect our lives. And rightfully so, it will. In a few year's time, everything will seem different again. Remember life before the iPhone?

Like the iPhone, AI is a tool, and we have the power to shape its future use. Yes, there will likely be some unintended consequences, just like we now see with the proliferation of smartphones. But is the problem with the tool, or is it our behaviors in using it?

I counter that we must use intentionality, have a clear vision of how best to use AI to our benefit, and avoid being fearful of its impact on our lives. There will be changes, yes. Will there be changes for the betterment of mankind? That's up to us.

Same / Not the Same

When it comes to leadership, how are things different now than just ten years ago?

We are told that we need to have an executive presence to be considered for the top job or the C-suite. According to Hewlett, based on surveys of business executives from the director level and up, this includes gravitas, strong communication skills, and the "right" appearance and specific traits under each.

It's important to note some of the more striking differences in what executive presence means in the post-pandemic era.

Under Gravitas, confidence and decisiveness remain at the top. What's different now is that inclusiveness and respect for others are high on the list of specific traits. Authenticity, vision, and integrity are also up there.

Under Communication, effective listening and body language are now more important than before.

Under Appearance, "a willingness to show up in person" stood out to me, which was added to the list. Executive presence, then, also means being present.

What we define as Executive Presence is what I define as great leadership.

The Secret to Great Leadership

It's fair to say that the people in your company or firm want to look up to their leaders. They want to feel included and heard. They expect authenticity, honesty, and a clear vision from their leaders.

In good times and bad, they want leaders who listen, are decisive, and are confident. These are observable behaviors.

The key is to be aware of your strengths and areas for improvement. It all starts with your inner voice and mindset. You have to see these qualities within yourself and believe in yourself before others see them, too.

To gain confidence, identify an area in which you feel you need the most help and set about a process to learn the skill(s) you lack. Then, practice them until they become second nature, creating a new habit.

Final Thoughts

Your employees look to you and the other leaders for guidance based largely on your actions.

Consistent actions by you that demonstrate your mastery—in varying degrees—of each of these traits instill confidence and a sense of psychological safety that tells your employees they are in the right place at the right time.

Until next time!