Do you feel your executives are unable to convey themselves clearly in front of their team members? Is the lack of Executive Presence hindering your leaders from motivating teams? Do you feel they need to work on their communication to command attention?
Well, if so, then you are exactly where you need to be.
Executive presence, a term unfamiliar to many, is an important skill for every leader. It is not about being the boss of things but leaving an impression behind.
What helps in that?
Effective Communication!
If they master the skill to convey every piece of information and thought clearly, they can make a difference.
Wondering how to do that?
Go ahead and read this blog till the end, where we discuss a few tips to master this skill.
What is Executive Presence
Before discussing how communication is a significant skill to excel in executive presence, let us understand what the term ‘Executive Presence’ is.
First, you need to know that executive presence and leadership are different. Executive presence is one of the skills that make you a better leader.
In fact, to break it down a bit more, executive presence itself is a combination of the following qualities:
- Confidence
- Good Communication
- Charisma
- Self-Awareness
- Credibility
- Emotional intelligence
If a senior executive adheres to these qualities, he is possibly making a presence in his team.
6 Tips for Effective Communication in Executive Presence
One of the many qualities a leader must possess is effective communication. Whatever they say must reflect confidence, value, and command. At the same time, it must be clear, concise, and must encourage people.
Here are a few essential communication skills that can make a huge difference in your leadership presence:
Identifying Communication Style
It might surprise you, but there are many communication styles for a person to choose from. If you want the senior executives to have better communication skills, help them identify their style.
Sticking to a style helps the leaders understand their vision and how they want to express it. Also, it makes it easier for the team to perceive such a leader and make him more approachable.
Consistancy in Communication
As a leader, it is their job to always get the conversation going. They must ensure that all the necessary information, ideas, and opinions are shared within the team. It is not important that the conversation always happen physically.
There are various media that can be used to communicate. However, it must be ensured that the path you choose is transparent and smooth.
Setting an Example
People rely on their leaders for inspiration. Therefore, it is important that leaders of an organisation set an example for them.
This can be done through their actions, personality, and, most importantly, their words. They must adhere to the quality to make an impression every time they are around people.
Eye contact, relaxing gestures, and setting open communication are some of the ways to achieve that.
Clarity About the Audience
Different teams require different kinds of leadership. Also, they have different goals to achieve.
Understanding the backgrounds, needs, and expectations of your listeners allows you to tailor your message appropriately. Whether addressing the board, team members, or clients, this insight enables them to connect on a deeper level, and build trust and connection.
Asking Good Questions
If you want to make a presence, it is necessary that you master the art of asking questions. Now, this can go in their favour or against them. This is why an executive must know how and what kind of questions they want to ask.
Thoughtful questions give the idea for your expertise and keep the team engaged. It is also a way to open meaningful discussions.
Understanding and Implementing Feedback
Embracing feedback can take you a long way in mastering executive presence. This is why an executive must always encourage his team members to provide their input.
After that, it is the leader's job to understand and implement those feedback. In fact, using constructive feedback to adjust and enhance their communication style supports their leadership objectives.
Wrapping Up
Executive presence is an underrated, unexplored concept. Many people are still not aware of it, and some are confused about the term itself.
Many studies say that after gravitas, executive presence is the most important quality a leader must adhere to. That can be achieved through effective communication, confidence, and a lot of other skills.
However, communication can entirely change the presence of a leader. Ensuring consistent and open communication, asking questions, and taking feedback, are some of the ways that they can implement to achieve it.
If you also feel the need for the same in your organisation, we are here to help. Our executive presence program has been set to ensure that leaders bring their 100% to work.
You can sign up for it from our website and master the second most important skill!
Authored by Gouri Maheshwari. To know more about Originbluy, send us an email at gouri.maheshwari@originbluy.com.
