Executive presence doesn't usually come naturally. That's where executive training comes in. WIth willingness and the correct mindset, even the most daunting tasks can be achievable.
In this blog post, we will dive into the realm of executive presence training, explore its significance, and provide examples of how it can transform leaders into captivating and influential individuals.
Section 1. Understanding Executive Presence
Executive presence is not a singular trait; it is a combination of various skills that contribute to a leader's overall impact and influence. It involves both verbal and non-verbal communication, self-assurance, and the ability to connect with others. It might sound scary, but it is easier than you think once you learn.
1.1 Confidence and Self-Assurance
Executives with a strong executive presence exude confidence and self-assurance. But, how do they get that way?
The secret is that they KNOW about their role. They have experience and know when and how to make the right calls.
New and experienced leaders often make the same mistake: not finding out about the area they are in charge of. If you were to be able to do the job of each area or person you were in charge of, you would then feel confident enough to run that area and take charge since you know just as well as they do.
Leaders and executives often think that they need to come into a role and "know it all" before they step foot in their subordinate's area and "they know best," but coming from a genuine place of wanting to learn from those under you will not only gain their respect but it will also allow you to know your area and be confident in the running of it.
1.2 Ability to Give Orders
Do you give orders and regret them? Or do you give no orders at all?
Any order is better than no order. As an executive, you need to be able to give clear and constructive orders to your juniors.
An order, whether good or bad, will give your team direction. If there are no orders, they may not know what to do and do the totally wrong thing or not do anything at all. So, any order is better than no order.
But how do you know that you are giving a good order? First, you do step 1 and find out everything you can about the area, and then you will feel confident in your ability to control it.
Let's say you do give a bad order that leads to something going wrong. Then, give the order to correct it and issue a policy to make sure it doesn't happen in the future and learn from the mistake.
Owning up to that will show your confidence as a leader and will show respect as opposed to giving no orders and causing confusion.
1.3 Effective Communication
Communication skills are fundamental to executive presence. Leaders who can communicate can get things done effectively and can be a causative source for others to look up to.
You are probably thinking, "I can communicate, I do it every day." And that might be true, but there are certain skills that executives use to communicate effectively to get things done.
For example, as an executive, you run and come across many different kinds of people. And sometimes, in order to effectively communicate with those people, you need to understand their point of view. Coming from a viewpoint with both individuals in mind will bring about a better understanding on the receipt-point of your communication.
Do you ever communicate something and you feel like nothing you said was understood at all? When communicating with someone to get something done, check their understanding of what you went over after the fact. "Ok, now can you recap what we just went over to make sure we are on the same page?" or "Can you send me a follow-up email on the exact steps that are going to be taken to get this done?"
Section 2: The Significance of Executive Presence Training
While some individuals naturally possess executive presence, it can be developed and refined through targeted training. Here are some reasons why executive presence training is essential for aspiring and seasoned leaders:
2.1 Building Credibility and Influence
Executive presence training equips leaders with the tools and techniques to build credibility and influence within their organizations. By honing their communication skills, mastering body language, and developing a strong personal brand, executives can establish themselves as trusted and respected leaders.
2.2 Enhancing Leadership Skills
Leadership is not solely about expertise and technical knowledge; it also requires the ability to inspire and lead others effectively. Executive presence training focuses on developing leadership skills, enabling executives to motivate teams, navigate challenging situations, and drive organizational success.
2.3 Improving Stakeholder Engagement
Executive presence extends beyond the boundaries of an organization. It impacts interactions with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Training in executive presence enhances interpersonal skills, enabling leaders to build rapport, negotiate effectively, and foster productive relationships.
Section 3: Examples of Executive Presence Training
3.1 John Chen:
John Chen, the CEO of BlackBerry, is a prime example of an executive who has transformed his leadership through executive presence training. When Chen assumed leadership of BlackBerry in 2013, the company was facing significant challenges. However, through his executive presence training, Chen was able to revitalize the organization and restore its reputation.
Chen's executive presence training focused on enhancing his communication skills and executive gravitas. He worked on delivering clear and compelling messages, both internally and externally, which helped him gain the trust and support of stakeholders. By refining his body language and presence, Chen exuded confidence and credibility, enabling him to inspire his team and drive strategic initiatives.
Through his training, Chen developed a strong personal brand that aligned with BlackBerry's values and goals. He became known for his calm and composed demeanor during challenging times, instilling confidence in investors and customers. His enhanced executive presence not only contributed to the turnaround of BlackBerry but also positioned Chen as a respected industry leader.
3.2 Satya Nadella:
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, exemplifies the transformative power of executive presence training. When Nadella took the helm of Microsoft in 2014, he faced the task of repositioning the company and shifting its focus towards innovation and cloud computing.
Nadella's executive presence training played a pivotal role in his success as a leader. Through his training, he cultivated his communication skills, enabling him to articulate Microsoft's vision with clarity and inspire his team. Nadella's ability to connect with people at all levels of the organization fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, Nadella's executive presence training helped him project authenticity and humility, traits that resonated with employees and stakeholders alike. By embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking feedback, Nadella demonstrated a commitment to personal and professional development, further enhancing his executive presence.
Under Nadella's leadership, Microsoft experienced significant growth and transformation, emerging as a leading player in the technology industry. His executive presence, shaped through targeted training, has been instrumental in his ability to navigate complex challenges, drive cultural change, and position Microsoft as a global powerhouse.