executive leadership is a privilege!
As a coach, I consistently have conversations that range from in-the-moment feedback to long-term development to define success at the executive level. Four executive coaching conversations from this week come to mind. A Chief Medical Officer begins by reflecting, "Russell, I'm two years into my role, and I'm wondering what it means to be successful in my role." A Chief Quality Officer presented his strategy goals to fifty leaders and stakeholders and approached me for feedback, "I know I'm delivering the data, but how do I connect with the audience? I want to be a better communicator." During our conversation, a Chief Operations Officer commented, "One of my most significant growth areas this year is learning how to talk with my people instead of at them." Finally, a newly promoted VP shares her struggles with confidence, feeling that she doesn't belong at the executive level, yet carries herself with confidence and inspires others in her leadership journey.
Executive mindset holds a tension of the demand to deliver on your objectives yet recognize your development as a leader.
How can you develop an executive mindset?
Developing executive presence is essential for leaders aspiring to succeed at higher organizational levels. Executive presence involves projecting confidence, authority, and the ability to inspire and influence others. Here are three essential principles for developing executive presence:
Confidence and Composure:
Confidence:
Projecting confidence is a fundamental aspect of executive presence. Leaders should convey assurance in their decisions, communication, and overall demeanor.
Practice:
Practice public speaking to enhance verbal confidence.
Develop expertise in your field to bolster confidence in decision-making.
Focus on positive self-talk and embrace a growth mindset.
Composure:
Maintaining composure under pressure is crucial for executive presence. Leaders should handle challenges with poise, resilience, and the ability to make sound decisions in high-stakes situations.
Practice:
Practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm in stressful situations.
Develop problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively.
Seek feedback to identify areas for improvement in handling pressure.
2. Effective Communication
Clear and Concise Communication:
Executive presence is enhanced through clear and concise communication. Leaders should articulate ideas in a way that is easily understood by diverse audiences, conveying authority and vision.
Practice:
Practice summarizing complex ideas into concise messages.
Use storytelling to make messages more compelling.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone.
Active Listening:
Influential executive leaders are active listeners. Leaders with executive presence listen attentively to others, demonstrate empathy, and value diverse perspectives.
Practice:
Practice active listening by entirely focusing on the speaker.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
Show empathy and understanding in your responses.
Adaptability in Communication:
Executive presence requires adaptability in communication styles. Leaders should be able to tailor their communication to different audiences, whether speaking to employees, clients, or stakeholders.
Practice:
Understand the preferences and communication styles of your audience.
Adjust your communication approach based on the context and situation.
Seek feedback on your communication effectiveness.
3. Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making:
Vision and Strategic Alignment:
Leaders with executive presence demonstrate a clear vision for the future and align their actions with strategic goals. They communicate a compelling narrative that inspires confidence in their leadership.
Practice:
Develop a deep understanding of your organization's mission and strategy.
Communicate how your actions contribute to the overall strategic objectives.
Share a vision for the future that motivates and aligns with organizational goals.
Decisiveness:
As executive presence grows, so does the ability to make timely and effective decisions. Leaders should demonstrate decisiveness, considering available information and making choices that align with organizational priorities.
Practice:
Develop a structured decision-making process.
Demonstrate accountability for decisions, whether positive or challenging.
Seek input from relevant stakeholders, but be decisive when necessary.
Risk Management:
Executives often face uncertainty and risk. Those with executive presence are adept at strategically managing risks, making calculated decisions, and leading confidently, even in ambiguous situations.
Practice:
Analyze potential risks and develop contingency plans.
Embrace a mindset that acknowledges and navigates risks effectively.
Communicate your approach to risk management transparently.
Developing executive presence begins with a mindset that requires self-awareness, intentional effort, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By embodying confidence, effective communication, and strategic thinking, leaders can enhance their executive presence and positively influence their teams and organizations.
Consider where you could apply one of these practices to expand your impact and effectiveness this week. Consider it a stretch assignment, and then celebrate the win as you develop your executive presence.
Whether you are surviving, transitioning, developing, or just "stuck", coaching can be the vehicle you need to begin moving forward. Since not everyone needs the same type of coaching, THE ADVANCE Starts with where you are today.