Leadership presence is the ability to act with confidence, to be calm and polite under pressure. Decisiveness is, of course, a core characteristic embedded in the phrase leadership presence. People who exhibit leadership presence are charming and able to influence others. They tend to use strong and clear language and display a high level of energy. Their nonverbal communication exhibits confidence: a firm handshake, eye contact and an authoritative tone of voice are present in their communication.
Although it comes more naturally for certain types of people, leadership presence is not an innate characteristic, anyone can gain it. How? The Open Forum website has some tips for you.
1. Work on your style of communication
You need to learn how to put people at ease. One way of doing it is being inclusive when talking to a group of people. The goal is that everyone you talk to feels better about himself when your conversation is over.
2. Don’t be cold
Shake off that formal professional role approach to your relationships at work. That is not how leaders behave. You want to engage others and show them your genuine warmth; be natural, be interested in those around you.
3. Be present – in the right way
It is about a “stage presence“, as Patsy Rodenburg (a world’s leading voice coach) calls it in his book The Second Circle: How To Use Positive Energy for Success In Every Situation. This leadership presence is characterized as a give-and-take exchange of energy. Top performers and teachers have it. In such a state you are not focused on yourself nor are you affected by worrying to much about what others think.
4. Be calm
The fast pace of business and all the stress and pressure demand the ability to remain cool under fire. Know your triggers so you know when to be particularly cautious. You can improve your skills of dealing with adverse situations without losing grace by raising your self-awareness about how you react when stress is increased. Then you need to make a conscious decision to respond in a more composed manner.
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