How you act (gravitas)
This is the most important element, and the goal is to demonstrate your ability to stay cool under pressure. The defining characteristics of “gravitas” are confidence, poise, decisiveness, integrity, emotional intelligence, reputation, vision, and charisma. To signal confidence and poise, take yourself seriously and keep your composure. Define your non-negotiables to help you make decisions faster and act with integrity. Connect with others by sharing relevant anecdotes. Be careful not to let your ego get in the way, or to try to “cover up” any mistakes you make. These behaviors will undermine your efforts and erode trust.How you communicate
This is the easiest element to develop, and the goal is to build credibility. The defining characteristics of strong communication are a concise and compelling style, the ability to command attention, assertiveness, and the ability to read a person, situation, or audience. To ensure your message is heard, make eye contact and choose your words carefully. Ditch the props (slides, notes, etc.) when you’re presenting and focus on landing your points. When you’re participating in a meeting or presentation, avoid checking your devices constantly, or looking bored. These behaviors send signals that you aren’t interested in hearing what your colleagues have to say.How you look (appearance)
This is the least important element, but can be highly subjective and prone to bias. The defining characteristics of “looking the part” come down to grooming and polish. Dress appropriately for the culture and situation. The best way to do this is to find a role model to emulate and pay close attention to those who have the job you want. Avoid looking unkempt or disheveled. If you’re working remotely, take time to evaluate your office setup, lighting, and camera/microphone. You don’t want environmental or equipment factors to be a distraction for others.Putting it into practice
A few minor adjustments can make a big difference. I made a conscious decision to stop reacting and start responding. I became more deliberate with my words and focused on making eye contact. And I started wearing my hair in a low bun to make sure my appearance wasn’t distracting. Whatever skills you need to develop, don’t go it alone. In our Rise Leadership Program, you’ll find a trusted group of colleagues to help you understand where you have opportunity to grow and a safe environment to practice your new skills. Explore what Rise can do for you and submit your application to join our next cohort. Download our guide to learn more about the dos and dont’s of developing executive presence and start building your skills. [is_logged_in] [not_logged_in] [/is_logged_in]
