Did you hear that the 2023 word of the year was "rizz", a term popularized by actor (& lovely human) Tom Holland? Rizz refers to "someone’s ability to attract another person through style, charm, or attractiveness, this term is from the middle part of the word ‘charisma"(Oxford University Press).
Today's blog focuses on developing your own Rizz- executive presence. Executive presence is about more than just appearing confident; it's about inspiring confidence in others. This post provides practical strategies, backed by relevant research , to help you cultivate a compelling executive presence.
Authenticity as the Foundation: Maya Angelou once shared, "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." Authenticity forms the bedrock of executive presence, enabling leaders to connect genuinely with their teams. Research by the Harvard Business Review (2019) underscores the impact of authentic leadership on organizational success.
Effective Communication Skills: Harvard Business Review's study (2020) emphasizes that effective communication is a key attribute of leaders with a strong executive presence. Hone your communication skills, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and purpose in every interaction. Remember, as Warren Bennis stated, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
Confidence in Decision-Making: Executive presence demands confidence in decision-making. Research by McKinsey (2019) underscores the importance of leaders who exude confidence. Displaying assurance in your chosen course of action inspires trust and fosters a sense of security within your team.
Mastering Body Language: Amy Cuddy's research on "power poses" (2015) highlights the impact of nonverbal cues on how others perceive you. Pay attention to your body language, maintaining open and confident postures. Effective leaders use gestures purposefully to enhance their message.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Navigating change with composure is a hallmark of executive presence. Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology (2021) emphasizes the importance of leaders who demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach.
A note about bias: Research has shown that unconscious biases can affect how charisma is perceived. Individuals from historically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups may encounter stereotypes that hinder the perception of their charisma, competence, or leadership potential. This bias can manifest in subtle ways, such as expectations about communication styles, confidence levels, or leadership capabilities. This bias can contribute to disparities in opportunities, promotions, and professional advancement. Leaders should actively work to recognize and appreciate the diverse forms that charisma can take, acknowledging that it may manifest differently across cultures and backgrounds.
Executive presence goes beyond mere presentation; it's about the ability to command a room, inspire confidence, and leave a lasting impact. As you incorporate these strategies into your leadership approach, you'll be on the path to cultivating a compelling executive presence that leaves a lasting impact.
References:
Harvard Business Review. (2019, June). "The Impact of Authentic Leadership."
Harvard Business Review. (2020, January). "Effective Communication: A Key Attribute of Executive Presence."
McKinsey. (2019, August). "Confidence in Decision-Making: A Leadership Imperative."
Cuddy, A. (2015). "Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges."
Journal of Applied Psychology. (2021, March). "The Role of Adaptability and Flexibility in Leadership Success."

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