by Melanie Espeland, Executive Presence Coach of Espeland Enterprises
What is Executive Presence?
Some people call it gravitas, charisma, or that “Je ne sais quoi”! Overall, executive presence is each leader’s unique expression of their leadership style. Executive presence allows for respect, trust, and likeability amongst your seniors, peers, direct reports, and other stakeholders. It’s the ability to express compassionate authority, or said differently, confidence, warmth, and know-how.
Executive presence is an external reflection of how you feel internally, about yourself, the topic at hand, and others in the room.
Why you need Executive Presence & Communication Skills.
Executive presence provides access to opportunities and to “insider” discussions. If you’re not included in the senior meeting discussing next year’s strategic initiatives, your great ideas will never stand a chance.
Additionally, we want executive presence because it enables the ability to influence others, which is critical in almost any professional position as you move up the ladder.
Is it difficult to develop Executive Presence or Leadership Presence?
Executive presence coaching can help you build career success, professional growth, and positive results through executive presence.
It is simple; but not necessarily easy. I use a proprietary formula discussed below in my executive presence coaching. A coaching program is an essential element for today’s leaders to have the guidance to successfully build this important skill.
Because executive presence requires self-awareness, it is extremely helpful to utilize a coach who can be an objective partner and help leaders see through their blind spots.
What is Executive Presence Coaching or an Executive Presence Program?
Executive presence coaching is a type of executive presence program led by an executive coach. This coaching process teaches elements of strong executive presence found in great leaders, such as: communication skills; leadership presence; how to inspire confidence; self awareness; and how to build relationships.
You can learn more about the myths of executive coaching here.
Topics in Executive Presence Coaching.
A list of topics that your executive presence coach may cover are as follows:
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creating gravitas
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conversation strategies
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how to speak with both employees and leaders
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being heard in group meetings
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how to present to executives
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creating focus in your team
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building buy in
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how to project your words
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deliver a clear and confident point
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observe and support the future of your employees
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progress within the organization
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identify as an example leader for your business
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communication skills
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body language
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eye contact
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and more.
How to build Executive Presence – a structured approach.
There is no one correct formula to achieve executive presence; it is not 1+1 = 2. Consider different leader types such as the late Steve Jobs and Michelle Obama. Their divergent presence styles align to their authentic personalities.
We can use the common threads observed across different types of presence styles to help you discover and define your own brand of executive presence. We can incorporate additional tools from the holistic physical, emotional, and mental realms to practice executing your newfound style. This structured approach through the Espeland Method™ is as illustrated below.
Literal – Physical
Your literal communication of your authentic self is through your voice, body, and appearance.
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Voice: your voice or the sounds your body creates are one of the key methods of expressing ourselves and connecting to others.
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Body: being at ease and releasing tension is the back door to broadcasting confidence. Your body is an instrument you can play to create the desired effect.
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Appearance: cultural norms, bias, and style in our appearance will always affect how others perceive us. Perception is reality.
Figurative – Mental & Emotional Intelligence
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Authenticity: you need to be in touch with yourself in order to share who you are and thus effectively connect with others. Humans are a social species and naturally curious about each other.
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Confidence: this feeling allows even the worst laid plans to sound reasonable. Alternatively, an excellent insight said without confidence may never be seriously considered.
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Vision: your vision is how you view the world and your goals. This is a guiding light that should be informed by your authenticity.
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Allows for clarity in how you communicate ideas to others, allowing for a larger chance of being understood and adopted.
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Allows for consistency in how you respond to “off the cuff” or unforeseen questions and circumstances, which is hugely impactful in your overall presence.
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And, a developed vision that you are truly bought into allows for you to communicate with more “gusto” and emotion, therefore aiding overall presence.
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The cost and time of Executive Presence Coaching.
Cost is minimal when seen as an investment.
While it is true that executive presence programs require an investment in the four to five figure range, they also have long lasting effects on your career success. In general, they may cost less than your annual vacations or a luxury designer handbag, while providing leaders with the influence, focus, and success they deserve.
Time can vary but will provide ongoing benefits.
Executive presence training will vary in length depending upon your needs and your executive coach. However, you can expect to commit to a few months with the potential to meet more sporadically as time moves forward and your executive presence skills increase. Working with me at Espeland Enterprises will typically be at least a 4 month commitment, with the exception of single Power Hours.
Executive Presence Coaching Case Studies.
Make sure that your coach has proven success in teaching executive presence. I’ve taught these strategies through 1-on-1 coaching relationships, masterclasses, group coaching, and online courses.
My testimonials in video and written format are available here.
How to choose your Executive Presence Coach.
Executive coaches should have gone through at least one coaching program and have experience with high potential managers. They should have helped an effective leader succeed in leading organizations; in aspects of mentoring another person on their team; and/or in building excellent communication skills.
This coach should convey confidence; have self awareness; understand what it takes to lead in your field; and what typical skills required.
How to work with Executive Presence Coach Melanie Espeland.
You can work with me (Melanie Espeland), the Executive Coach of Espeland Enterprises, by scheduling a consultation to learn more about my packages. Or, if you have an urgent issue, or don’t want to wait for a consultation, you can schedule a Power Hour.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about executive presence, leadership skills, or communication skills, email us at hello@espelandenterprises.com.
