We all know that person in the office who has “it.” You know, that special something no one can put their finger on. The “it” factor commands a room and captivates an audience without breaking a sweat. Even when you ask a senior leader what “it” is, they often can’t say. But they certainly know it when they see “it,” everybody does.
How does one get there?
Executive Presence is made up of three key pillars:
- Character: Individuals’ distinct mental and moral qualities help them lead uniquely. A person’s character can demonstrate authenticity and humility to ensure others are operating with the utmost integrity and can, in turn, build trust. Trust is an integral part of driving successful teams.
- Substance: The fundamental physical matter of a person—giving someone a tangible presence. The substance is made up of not only your physical Presence but also confidence and composure, which are necessary to lead teams toward a common corporate objective. Without substance, the vision falls flat.
- Style: A particular manner of doing something unique to each individual. With style comes a specific appearance, an aura of inclusiveness, and a command of assertiveness. To motivate at a deeper level, you need to appear professional, approachable, and authoritative while being relatable.
A person who leads collaboratively and offers respect makes people feel valued. When people feel like they add value to an organization, they thrive.