How are you showing up as a leader? The importance of executive presence
Leadership takes many forms, and there’s no shortage of theories and definitions that attempt to explain what leadership truly is. At Unscripted HR, we like to keep it simple. For us, leadership is about empowering people to deliver their best work against a shared vision, all while operating within agreed values.
An important aspect of effective leadership is executive presence. While distinct from leadership, it is deeply connected. Executive presence is the “it factor” that inspires confidence in your abilities, reliability, professionalism, and potential. It’s the quality that brings people along as you work towards a collective goal. If leadership is about the outcome, executive presence is the engine that makes it happen.
What is executive presence, and why does it matter?
Jeff Bezos famously said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Executive presence builds this brand through your behaviour, appearance, and intangible yet recognisable qualities - your vibe, as we say in Australia.
Executive presence is all about how you show up in the workplace and how others perceive you, from CEOs to teammates. Think about behaviours such as body language, listening and communication skills, professionalism under pressure, and interpersonal dynamics. For instance:
Are you unflappable under stress, or do you showcase visible frustration that unsettles others?
Do you exhibit focus and attention during meetings, or are you distracted by your phone or side conversations?
Strong executive presence creates trust, influence, and impact. At the same time, a lack of presence can diminish your effectiveness as a leader, eroding confidence in your abilities.
The role of appearance in executive presence
One visible, and sometimes debated, element of executive presence is appearance. While I’m not a proponent of rigid dress codes, the way we present ourselves does matter - especially in contexts where professionalism sets the tone.
The pandemic brought on the era of “waist-up dressing” for remote work, where relaxed clothing became the norm. While comfortable and casual attire can suit remote and hybrid workplaces, polished presentation remains crucial, even in virtual settings. For example, does a hoodie convey confidence and professionalism during a client meeting? Appearance is just one (relatively simple) component of executive presence, but it can set the tone for how others perceive you.
How organisational values align with executive presence
Executive presence doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It thrives in workplaces with clear values and aligned behaviours. Your organisation’s cultural norms should complement its values, and leaders play a key role in bringing this to life.
For instance, if your leadership charter highlights the need to respect people’s time, you must model this by conducting efficient, time-conscious meetings. Consistently overrunning or failing to get to the point in meetings can diminish your presence and erode trust.
Being aligned with organisational values ensures that how you lead reflects the culture you wish to nurture. A strong leadership charter can serve as a blueprint for such behaviours, helping leaders build executive presence systematically.
Communication as a key pillar of executive presence
Words are powerful, and the way you communicate is a fundamental element of executive presence. Clear, concise, and thoughtful expressions build credibility, while poor communication habits can damage your influence. Here are some communication pitfalls to avoid:
Babytalk or overly casual language detracts from professionalism.
Waffling or speaking without precision can undermine authority.
Failing to read the room or overly dominating the conversation disengages others.
Using qualifiers, such as “just,” can diminish the strength of your message.
Similarly, effective listening is just as important as speaking. Constantly interrupting others signals poor emotional intelligence and displays a lack of respect for their contributions. Strong leaders master a balanced approach that combines impactful speech with attentive listening to build rapport and foster meaningful engagement.
The workplace debate on swearing
One area that often sparks debate is whether swearing has a place in the workplace. While it largely depends on the organisation’s culture and values, swearing can be perceived as unprofessional. Even in relaxed environments, excessive swearing can jar with company values and affect your reputation.
An awareness of what’s culturally appropriate within your workplace is key. Leaders who remain mindful of their language demonstrate respect for their environment and colleagues, reinforcing their executive presence.
Building executive presence as a leader
Executive presence is not an innate talent; it’s a skill that can be cultivated and grown over time. Like any skill, it benefits from awareness, practice, and sometimes external guidance.
Consider working with a mentor or coach to fine-tune elements of your behaviour, refine your communication style, or receive constructive feedback on how you "show up" in different settings. Reflection can also help you identify areas for improvement and measure progress:
Are your behaviours aligned with the cultural norms and values of your organisation?
Are you demonstrating confidence through your communication skills?
Is your appearance appropriate for the image you want to project?
Strong networks can also amplify executive presence. If your reputation aligns with your values and vision, your peers and colleagues can become advocates who cheerlead your capabilities and help cement your influence. This sharpens your presence in team settings, especially when on boarding new hires or stepping into unfamiliar environments.
Why executive presence matters now more than ever
Leaders today are navigating significant workplace challenges, from post-pandemic recovery to fostering hybrid work models. Amidst these changes, executive presence plays a critical role in setting the temperature of your team and establishing trust during uncertainty.
When leaders demonstrate executive presence through behaviours that inspire, empower, and connect, it creates a ripple effect throughout the organisation. Employees emulate these behaviours, building a stronger and more cohesive workplace culture that aligns with shared values.
Take the next step in building your executive presence
Executive presence is more than a quality—it’s a skill, and one worth investing in. At Unscripted HR, we work with leaders to develop their influence and impact through tailored support. We understand that each business and its challenges are different, which is why we guide you through personalised solutions designed to align with your unique goals.
If you’re ready to grow as a leader and refine how you show up for your team, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll explore how to enhance your executive presence with lasting results.