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What does the term Executive Presence mean to you? Not sure? Have you ever been at an event where someone seemed to stand out? Their appearance and posture was notable, they engaged with others in a comfortable yet take-charge manner (and of course they made eye contact) and when they spoke it was with clarity and confidence. If this sounds familiar, you were probably experiencing someone with strong Executive Presence.

Having Executive Presence will attract the attention you need for moving forward in your career. It will open doors when it comes to career promotions, increasing your business and getting that job.

We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard of Presence. In today's ezine we'll discuss the qualities that can create this potential for you.

After reading the article see how you measure up when it comes to Executive Presence.

Linda Yaffe
Certified Executive Coach

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE...What does it take.

Has this ever happened in your company?

Someone is promoted to a leadership position. This person successfully competed against other qualified candidates; some of whom you know are just as experienced and smart. You ask yourself, "Why him," or "Why her?"

Soon, through the rumor mill, you hear that the decision came down to degrees of "Executive Presence."

So you start doing a little research on this idea of presence. Karl Albrecht names it as one of the five pillars of social intelligence:

Presence: Often referred to as "bearing," presence incorporates a range of verbal and nonverbal patterns (one's appearance, posture, vocal quality, subtle movements)-a whole collection of signals that others process into an evaluative impression of a person. -Karl Albrecht, author of Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success (Pfeiffer, 2009)

Searching for Executive Presence

An Internet search on Executive Presence reveals definitions and advice on everything from dressing for success (I address the importance of how we look in my March 2 blog, please take a look) and patterns of speech to more fundamental issues of emotional and social intelligence.

When speaking of emotional and social intelligence we're talking about being aware of our own emotions and the emotions of others and using that awareness to manage ourselves and our relationships with others.

Your emotional presence influences others' perceptions. You must be able to balance your own needs with those of others as well as with those of the organization. This requires keenly honed emotional awareness-being in tune with the situation, the context and other people.

Your executive presence is reflected in the energy and image you convey, along with your understanding of what works and what doesn't. Leaders with a strong presence intuitively know what to say that will cultivate loyalty and approval. They also recognize how to avoid coming off as egotistical, insecure and insensitive.

I don't know about you, but if executive presence makes a difference in getting the promotion, making the sale or being hired for a new job, I want to be sure I do everything I can to get more of it. Your presence communicates your self-worth, confidence and values as well and the level of respect you have for yourself and others.

If you want to be promoted to the senior and executive suites, you must learn how to acquire or improve your level of executive presence. And if you're already in senior management, you must recognize your current potential and help nurture executive presence in the people you want to groom for succession. This can be a tall order as most people aren't born with executive presence and it isn't easily acquired. It isn't even something you can learn in business school. Hopefully people develop the requisite skills with experience and maturity and a great deal of effort. But that's not always the case.

In the work that I do with executives, we coach several aspects of Executive Presence including appearance, communication style, body language, behaviors, impact/influence, and emotional/social intelligence. Everyone should work on improving their Executive Presence. Exuding a strong presence should always be a part of how you show up, not just considered when you want a promotion. To help you do this, identify a friend, mentor or coach you respect to give you guidance, support and feedback.

What do you think about the concept of Executive Presence? Please feel free to respond directly to me at lyaffe@workingmatters.com.

WorkingMatters' principal, Linda Yaffe, a Leadership Development and Certified Executive Coach, uses her senior and executive level management experience to help you achieve your business and career goals.

Whether you are jump-starting a business, advancing your career, an executive or president, Linda’s coaching expertise will provide you with the essential focus, skills and behaviors needed to perform, advance and lead in today’s business environment.

As well, Linda works closely with companies like yours focused on "high potential grooming and leadership performance enhancement" geared toward your top talent and next generation of leaders.

Linda delivers bottom-line benefits to individuals and organizations focused on moving to the highest levels of learning, performance and achievement.

In addition to coaching, Linda delivers Leadership Workshops to small and large businesses.

Linda abides by the strict code of confidentiality and adheres to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with the International Coach Federation.

For more information, please contact Linda by email at LYaffe@WorkingMatters.com