As we embark on the new year of 2019, many of you are looking toward job promotion or a change in your career path all together.  Whether you are seeking vertical growth in your current organization or a lateral career change to a different organization or industry, one thing is certain: Understanding and achieving your own individual expression of executive presence is crucial in any career move.

Executive Presence is not clearly defined on any website or reliable source of literature.  Employers judge professionalism and leadership skills by what they see, hear, and expect to see and hear in job applicants. An impressive curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is only part of the process. Personal leadership qualities such as the ability to present with confidence, lead others, take charge, and sound authoritative are highly desirable as well. 

Developing a style of leadership that feels and sounds authentic to you will undoubtedly come across as genuine to potential employers.  How do you start?

First, recognize executive presence as an all encompassing, comprehensive set of traits, or tools.  Particular traits that you are expected to exhibit in a job interview, such as strong verbal skills and self reflection, may not necessarily apply to customer service interactions where active listening, patience, and problem solving skills are paramount.  Identify and develop your weak areas.

Next, cultivate your own description of executive presence based on what leadership looks and sounds like to you. Discuss your ideas with a mentor and peer group to expand or fine-tune your impressions.   

Last, exercise your executive presence style in all aspects of your life-  personal, professional, and yes, online. 

Visit our Executive Speech Coaching page to learn more about corporate seminars and oral communication professional development.