Steps for Creating a Strong Executive Presence
Have you ever encountered someone who just exudes Executive Presence? Everything about them just oozes poise and composure, and they seem like the obvious choice for the next promotion or raise.
That confidence, that Executive Presence, isn’t something that people are born with. Rather, Executive Presence is a skillset that can be developed and refined with work – which is great news for those of us who have our eyes set on the C-Suite!
In fact, one might even say that Executive Presence is a specific set of habits that the most successful employees practice and master day after day. Ready to strengthen your presence in the office and position yourself for the next promotion? Integrate these 5 habits into your daily routine, and you’ll be well on your way.
Habit #1: Check Your Mindset
Before you walk out of the house in the morning, check your mindset at the door. Ask yourself, “Am I ready for the day?” Whatever happened in the morning – whether you had an argument with your spouse, woke up late, or something else shook you up a bit, leave it at the door. Go into the office with a professional, can-do attitude. Always. If in doubt, check out my image consulting for men.
Habit #2: Pay Attention to Details
Believe it or not, paying attention to details is a habit. It’s a muscle that you can practice using. On a daily basis, ask yourself questions like…
- Are my nails groomed and nicely cut?
- Is my facial hair clean and complimentary?
- Do my clothes match and fit well?
- When I write an email, do I check for spelling and grammar before hitting ‘send’?
- Do I arrive on time, every time?
Details that seem small – like making sure your car is clean before you drive to work – add up, and people notice. Practice paying attention to details every day.
Habit #3: Mind Your Appearance
Grooming is an imperative habit to strengthen. Make sure you look the part! Every single day, your hair should be washed and styled and look up-to-date (no 1980’s hair cuts), and your clothing should be pressed and clean.
Like it or not, our appearance is the first thing that people notice about us and they will make a snap judgment based on looks. Give attention to your physical appearance and you’ll give yourself a major leg up.
Habit #4: Communicate with Clarity
Great leaders have great communication skills. When speaking, writing or even communicating non-verbally, it’s important to be consistently clear in your messaging.
It can be tricky to discern whether you’re clearly communicating with others, but there are some distinguishing markers that tell us if our co-workers are picking up what we’re putting down:
- When you ask someone to do something, do they usually do it correctly? If not, it’s probably because they don’t fully understand what you want.
- Do people respond to you with openness and enthusiasm? If not, chances are your non-verbal communication isn’t clear or feels harsh.
- Do your co-workers come to you when they have an issue or challenge? If so, it means you’re a trusted member of the office.
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Habit #5: Mind Your Manners
No one likes to work with rude people! When you’re interacting in the office, be considerate of others. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ especially to people who work below you.
It’s amazing how this basic principle of courtesy so often is forgotten in a harried work place, but it’s vital to your success and growth as an employee.
When you put these 5 habits into place consistently, you’ll start to see a difference in how your co-workers and higher-ups respond to you in the officeNeed a little help putting these tips into practice? Click HERE to connect with me directly. Together, we can create a program that completely revamps your presence in the office… and takes you into the realm of Executive Presence.
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