From the course: Developing Executive Presence

Executive presence: The key differentiator

From the course: Developing Executive Presence

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Executive presence: The key differentiator

- How can you inspire confidence, whether you're one on one or in a group, even under pressure or when you're uncertain or caught off guard? How can you stand out in a talented crowd, get heard, and have people wanting to hear more from you? This is what people with executive presence do. It sometimes goes by different names, leadership presence, executive demeanor, professional maturity, gravitas, whatever you call it, you can strengthen it too. I know this because I've researched this quality and coached hundreds of leaders across industries and cultures over the past two decades. People for whom it was crucial to develop it for their continued success. It's a vital leadership characteristic. It's a difference maker when organizations need to choose a select few for special opportunities and promotions among a competitive field of many other smart energetic managers who also get results. It's critical across all functions in the organization, even technology and engineering. In a survey of chief information officers by Gartner, a global technology research leader, executive presence skills came in second among the top 20 leadership skills needed for success. According to a study by the Center for Talent Innovation, executive presence counted for 26% of what it takes to get promoted to leadership positions. That's huge when you think of the dozens of other leadership qualities. This single factor, 26%. It's a differentiator. Executive presence helps you stand out in a crowd and from a crowd.

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