Executive presence goes beyond how someone presents themselves to the world or speaks. It's about building trust in fellow members, showcasing confidence, and being able to stay calm & collected in any difficult situation. Executive coaching must help leaders grow these kinds of skills in a lasting way for impact. This means learning beyond surface-level training and focusing on real changes in how they think and behave.
Start With a Clear Goal
Every coaching program should begin with a clear idea of what executive presence means in the workplace. For one company, it may mean staying calm under stress. For another, it could be about clear communication during team meetings. The definition should fit the company’s needs.
Once this is clear, set goals that can be measured—such as faster decision-making, better teamwork, or improved communication across departments.
Use the 7 Cs of Executive Presence
- Composure: Stay calm even when things are tough
- Confidence: Trust your choices and show belief in your ideas
- Clarity: Share your thoughts in a clear and simple way
- Credibility: Do what you say you will do
- Connection: Understand and connect with others
- Charisma: Leave a strong and positive impression
- Conciseness: Say only what is needed, without extra words
Each part should be included in the coaching program with real examples to help leaders understand and practice these skills.
Help Leaders Build Their Own Style
There is no single way to show executive presence. A strong coaching program helps leaders find and grow their own style. This includes how they speak, behave, and represent their values.
Coaching should help leaders stay true to who they are while making sure they also fit the culture of the company. The goal is not to perform but to be consistent and real in all situations.
Use Practice and Feedback
Teaching ideas alone is not enough. Leaders must practice what they learn. Role plays, group activities, and feedback sessions help them try out their skills and refine them based on what works best.
Quick, real-time feedback from mentors is one of the fastest ways to grow as a leader. Over time, these practices help leaders build strong habits that become natural.
Build Self-Awareness
Executive presence starts with an understanding of how others see you. Feedback surveys and personal reflection can help leaders learn about their strengths and gaps.
But awareness is just the beginning. Coaching must help leaders act on these insights and grow without becoming defensive.
Make It Part of Everyday Work
Executive presence can’t be taught in a single session. It should be part of regular leadership development, team discussions, and career planning. When it becomes part of company culture, it grows stronger over time.
A strong coaching program helps leaders become clear, calm, and confident. As a top executive presence training provider, OriginBluy works with companies to build simple yet powerful programs that help leaders show up at their best in every situation. We support managers as leaders and foster strong leadership qualities across all levels.
