Learn how eye contact and emotional intelligence can expedite your executive presence.
Developing your executive presence as a leader is probably relatively high on your to-do list, especially if you want to build your influence, improve organizational performance, and help other leaders manage their teams well. Executive presence extends beyond your functional abilities and can be your X-factor in leadership.
But what is executive presence, and is it all it's cracked up to be? And can it be taught? Or is it just something natural-born leaders effortlessly have? Let’s discuss what executive presence is, what it’s not, and how to develop your own as a forward-thinking leader in an organic way.
What is Executive Presence?
Simply put, executive presence is the ability to act with confidence, decisiveness, and gravitas while modeling the most fundamental elements of leadership. It is the feeling of walking into a room, and everyone knowing (and respecting) your stature. Typically, those with good executive presence communicate effectively, practice self-awareness, and perform well under pressure. In many ways, your executive presence is your personal brand.
Executive Presence Can’t Be Faked
Executive presence done well promotes a sense of calmness and confidence in those around you. Further, it emanates from a leader who doesn’t fold under pressure but remains cool, calm, and collected even when difficulties arise.
However, many leaders attempt to fake executive presence which can come across as disingenuous, egotistical, or pompous; and oftentimes, the only person buying into the charade is them. Effective executive presence does come naturally to some leaders. To others, it can be practiced and dialed into. Regardless, taking the appropriate steps to refine your leadership rather than “fake it ‘til you make it” can make all the difference. Here are two things any leader can do to improve their executive presence authentically.
1. Eye Contact
According to an old Proverb, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” There are several factors at play when it comes to your executive presence, and while nonverbal communication is significant, consistently making eye contact is one of the most effortless ways to boost your executive presence.
This nonverbal but instrumental social cue projects confidence, self-esteem, trustworthiness, and assertiveness—all critical attributes for a great leader. So if you want to strengthen your message, widen your influence, and communicate your passion about your company, products, or services, doing this one thing can make a dramatic difference. It’s also just a symbol of respect and shows that you are listening attentively.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Mastering emotional intelligence—or the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically—is one way to expedite your executive presence. While science is on the fence as to whether or not you can change your IQ, your EQ (emotional quotient) can not only be refined but can also position you to consistently exhibit executive presence.
Some leadership skills that heavily rely upon your EQ are decision-making, communication, interpersonal skills, assertiveness, trust, empathy, time management, and more.
While improving your emotional intelligence is arguably a little more complex than learning to consistently make eye contact, there are steps any leader can take to make strides in the EQ department—many of them beginning with self-awareness. Here are a few simple practices to improve your emotional intelligence as a leader:
Observe how you react to people
Perform regular self-evaluations
Take responsibility for your actions
Recognize how your actions affect others
Learn to listen attentively
Improve your soft skills
Learn to respond instead of react
Be open-minded and listen to feedback
Keep a positive or growth mindset
Many organizations offer team-building exercises and online leadership courses that can help boost your emotional intelligence skills. Like anything worth achieving, having high emotional intelligence requires practice, patience, and experience. By implementing these two things, you’ll naturally improve your executive presence in an organic way that builds trust and makes a lasting impact on your organization.
Develop Your Executive Presence Effortlessly
If you want to enhance your communication skills as a leader in the post-pandemic workforce or want to reach peak performance as a forward-thinking innovator in Corporate America today, ExecTrek™ can help.
Discover how to zero in on behaviors that can impact business and propel you forward. From communication and time management to decision-making and image optics, RC3 Partners provides transformational Executive Coaching and Leadership Development to leaders seeking their competitive edge. Contact us today to learn more.
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