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We’ve
all been there. Someone walks into a room at a business
event and suddenly the air becomes electric. Heads turn.
The world pays attention, serious attention. People
gravitate as if to a magnet and engage them in a
hanging-on-every-word conversation. You have just
witnessed a ‘WOW” moment. In real time.
What I
call ‘WOW’ is often known as Executive Presence. It’s
not hard-wired into you; it’s not a part of your
corporate double-helix; it’s easy to recognize yet hard
to define. Turns out, you’re not born with this
skill. Pardon the pun, but presence is a gift, a gift
you can give to yourself. And it’s no mystery, just a
blend of attributes and skills that, in the proper
combination, transmits all the right signals.
So why
would you need Executive Presence? What if you have no
aspirations to the corner suite?
Well,
developing Executive Presence creates a strong personal
brand. Your brand is the impression that comes to mind
when people see you, hear of you or think about you. In
business, it’s important to
build your brand with everyone – colleagues, bosses,
direct reports, clients and suppliers. It’s impossible
to go out and develop a personal relationship with
everyone. Having your personal brand puts you in a
grapevine that can provide a huge advantage.
So, it doesn’t matter
whether you aspire to the C-suite or not. Executive
presence will provide a boost in your ascent to the job
you want, creating greater alignment and passion for
serious work, and engaging your colleagues and
workforce.
Most of all, it renews your
membership in the marketability club: it communicates
who you are. Done right, it builds
trust, which leads to word-of-mouth buzz that opens up
opportunities for professional and financial success.
With so many companies downsizing these days, and trying
to trim costs by promoting from within, trust and
marketability are your two most powerful commodities.
Ah, you ask, how can I
develop an Executive Presence that will reflect my own
personal brand?
Substance:
The most important aspect of Executive Presence is the
ability to communicate substance. You are an expert and
you need to share that expertise in a powerful way. To
do this you need to develop a high level of skill in
speaking, presenting, writing and communicating your
ideas. You may be one of the most knowledgeable people
in your industry; however, if you cannot convey your
business and technical skill, you won’t get the
recognition you deserve.
Style:
They don’t use ‘substance’ and ‘style’ in the same
sentence for nothing. As much as we might like to think
style doesn’t matter, the way we dress and how we
conduct ourselves speak volumes about us as
professionals. Your business attire should make you
feel confident and powerful every single day. Think
about how you feel when you put on your best suit. You
should walk in the door feeling like that every day.
Polished personal style isn’t just about the clothing
you wear; it’s about how you feel in those clothes. Wear
your clothes; don’t let them wear you.
Physical
Presence:
It doesn’t matter if you’re six-foot-five or
five-foot-six; physical presence is more than just body
language. It’s your self-assurance, spirit, and
energy. People read body language closely; wrong body
language has been the bane of many people in the public
eye. Learn to sit, stand, walk, move and gesture
purposefully. Know what subliminal messages translate
into confidence and approachability. It speaks to your
professionalism.
Networking: Your network
is your “networth” and it’s no longer optional. Nor
should it be perceived as superficial. Use it as
strategy to help you become more marketable internally
for future opportunities. You’re your own best asset and
you need to be your own best PR person. Whether you are
scaling the next rung of the corporate ladder or leaping
off into a new direction, it’s time to capitalize on
your present network and attract champions to help you
navigate, especially during transitional times
Vocal Skills:
The voice is one of the most overlooked aspects of
Executive Presence. Yet many people know us only by the
sound of our voices. Knowing how to use your voice
effectively is one of the secrets to galvanizing a group
of people. Conversational and clear, it should
demonstrate your confidence, enthusiasm, passion and
intelligence. Add interest to your voice by using
inflection, pitching it lower to make an important
point, varying the pace, emphasizing important words or
phrases, and pausing when you want your audience to
remember something.
Manners: Ah, the Achilles
heel of many careers. A false move in business etiquette
can turn your career from that of a rising star into a
black hole. It’s easy if you remember a few things:
treat others as you want to be treated, put their
comfort ahead of your own, and be gracious and grateful
to everyone you meet. It’s as basic as demonstrating
good manners; it’s how you conduct yourself in a
customer’s office, it’s how you work a room in
business/social functions and it’s knowing the ABC’s of
dining etiquette. People may not comment on your manners
but they do notice when you fit in perfectly.
Listening:
Listening is a leadership
skill. Those who listen stand out and are remembered.
Listening includes being accessible, encouraging people
to express themselves, paying attention while not
speaking too much, and using verbal and non- verbal
language to convey interest in the other person as well
as the subject. If you don’t know whether you’re a good
listener, ask someone who will tell you the truth. Take
their opinion to heart.
Workspace:
Strange as it may seem, what once seemed like clear
career sailing can be scuppered by a messy officer’s
mess. Your workspace is an extension of you and can be a
tipoff to others about how you really conduct business.
Many people with a messy office believe it shouldn’t
matter. As much as we wish no one will see or notice,
that’s not true. A CEO once said he decides whether to
promote his people based on “clutter.” Clear it out,
find a home for everything, keep electronic files of
most documents, and then make it an attractive space for
you and others. Don’t let the paper pile up; it speaks
of procrastination. This is not only important to your
image; it will also help you feel better about your time
at work.
Now,
before you start on our checklist, a word of caution.
There is a huge difference between Executive Presence
and merely drawing attention to yourself. Executive
Presence implies quiet, consensual, and persuasive
leadership, the kind that seems effortless. You look the
part, act the part, become the part. Contrast that to
the attention-seeker who tries too hard to make an
opinion known, speaks too loudly, interrupts too often,
and sends out negative body language. In acting circles,
they call this kind of over-the-top behaviour “chewing
up the scenery.” Don’t be that type of person; if you’re
hungry, grab a salad.
Roz
Usheroff is one of the leading executive coaches,
business etiquette experts and personal branding
trainers in North America. Author of "Customize Your
Career," Roz has conducted business coaching seminars
and workshops for men and women executives at a number
of Fortune 500 companies in Canada and the United States
for the past two decades. For further information visit
www.usheroff.com
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