Ringing in the New Year With Your Executive Presence

Happy New Year! It is now 2010 and with the New Year come new resolutions for you and your career. As an executive/professional, you may be thinking of changes to move yourself forward to the next level. These resolutions have one thing in common: they revolve around your aspiration to be a leader who exudes something special - executive presence. This is one of the most powerful traits any leader can possess, but it is not easy to define.

Executive presence is emerging as an essential ingredient for career advancement, leadership success and interpersonal connections. Companies are requiring that all of their employees have and take advantage of their executive/professional presence. Even those being hired, must have presence before being employed. About 30 percent of companies are currently using this as criteria because they want to thrive not just survive in the marketplace.

Here are some tips as you try on the elements of executive presence.

1. Assess Your Strengths: When you use your strengths, you radiate personal power and authenticity. You become clear about who you are and what you do. You draw attention to what you do best.

2. Speak with Confidence: You may be the expert in your field/industry, but what really matters is how you communicate the substance of what you know. A person who is confident in his or her skills and who is comfortable talking to other people make positive impressions. Before you start to speak to any group, wait about 5-10 seconds. This gives you the control of the room.

3. Be Aware of Body Language: Do you express positive body language to others? When talking to people, do you have good eye contact? Body language is an important part of communication which can constitute 50% or more of what you are communicating. Since body language sends its own set of messages, people judge you by your appearance and your body language. And they will do it quickly. Research has shown that people judge you by your body language within 60 seconds, even in a little as three seconds. Pay attention to your body movements, voice, and hand gestures.

4. Recognize Blind Spots: Everybody has at least one blind spot, something holding them back from their true potential. Most people do not see themselves as others see them. Do you see the blind spots in yourself? If so, how are you going to correct them for a more positive impact on your career? By recognizing and then correcting the blind spots that held you back, you can get back on track as you improve your competence and confidence in effectively leading your business performance.

5. Listen: Listening is one of the most overlooked skills people have. Two out of every three people (67%) think they are good listeners. The truth is quite the opposite with more than 90% of us need much improvement in the area of listening.

6. Pay Attention to Business Etiquette: When people hear the work etiquette, many think of business meal etiquette but you need to think about email and phone communications as well. There is nothing in the world that helps an executive or professional stand out as much as having great manners. People who harness the power of the first impression are those who successfully navigate social situations.

7. Put It Altogether: No matter what your occupation, you are always selling yourself or your business. Making or forming an impression of yourself and having others walk away thinking you are an influential person to know is what will be remembered. Happy New Year CELEBRATION 2020

This is only the start to your Executive Presence. No matter what you do or what you say, you must present with total confidence if you want your audience to have confidence in you and what you are delivering to them. Radiate your powerful presence and you will find that others respect you more, more responsibility will come your way, more business will come to you, and a promotion may be in order as well.

Whether you have been an executive/professional for years and want to improve your Executive Presence or you are just starting out, we can help. Email nburgis@successful-solutions.com today for your free consultation and your action plan to move forward.

Neal Burgis, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Burgis Successful Solutions, an executive coaching firm, specializing in working with Shy, Introvert Solo Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Executives, Managers and Employees. I also coach lawyers who want to leave the traditional practice of law and work in corporate America still using their law degree.