‘This person needs coaching and development on their executive presence, their gravitas.‘
This is a common request that comes our way. A senior person on the top team or board level is given feedback that they need to work on the elusive characteristics of presence and gravitas. Those making the request know it when they see it, those who need developing often have a different view of what is needed.
So how do you develop executive presence and what support is available to you?
It might help if we define this in a little more detail. We believe executive presence is defined as:
‘A person who demonstrates authentic credibility at the most senior levels of an organisation.’
This concept of authentic credibility is important. You can’t pretend to have it. You can’t blag your way into appearing executive. We believe there are four main areas of focus:
Legend
Your reputation, your brand, how people talk about you and how you use authority and power to get things done.
Impact
The impression you create when you enter a room, the buzz you create around you.
Focus
Your perspectives on a problem, how you focus your energy, your strategic connection to the wider organisation.
Ego State
The core of who you are, your passion, energies, self belief and self control.
We have researched this topic with clients and fellow coaching professionals over many years and have distilled our learning around Executive Presence into a summary model that captures the key themes.
Get in touch if you’d like to know more about how to use this model or to explore our conference presentations, development programmes, executive coaching and 360 feedback tools that will help you hold the mirror up and make progress.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ann Akers – Ann has over 20 years’ experience of working at Board and Executive level. Ann now works with top teams on strategy and development, leadership performance, team dynamics and organisational change programmes.
Andy Matheson supports leadership teams with business planning and strategic thinking as well as developing their leadership skills. Andy has over 25 years’ experience in coaching and developing senior leaders.
FURTHER READING:
Executive Presence – A Simple Checklist
