If you ever heard the feedback that “you need to work on your executive presence,” you’re not alone! Many professionals trying to move up the ladder find that while they have the technical skills, they still lack that executive presence.
The problem is others can sense when you lack executive presence, but it’s hard for you to describe exactly why. That makes executive presence coaching a must for moving up in today’s workplace.
Fortunately, you can improve it with guidance from Tandem Coaching’s Executive Coaching program. Through personalized support, we help you develop executive presence, communication, and people skills to succeed in your profession!
What is Executive Presence Coaching?
Executive presence coaching helps you gain the trust and confidence of your team. It’s about developing the traits to come across as authoritative yet approachable.
It typically involves working one-on-one with an expert coach. Through assessments, exercises, and real-world practice, you become more self-aware and learn new behaviors that make your executive presence stand out.
This type of coaching helps you:
- Communicate powerfully
- Project confidence in high-pressure situations
- Develop a commanding yet warm demeanor
- Align your verbal and non-verbal signals
- Cultivate gravitas and influence
While coaching often starts by identifying areas to improve, the focus is on improving existing strengths.
Examples of Executive Presence
Let’s look at a few everyday situations where executive presence shines:
- Envision a CEO managing a company crisis. Rather than succumbing to panic, they maintain composure and clearly articulate the situation. Such an approach reassures all stakeholders, including employees and investors, that the situation is under control.
- Now, think about a CFO presenting complex financial data to the board. They break it down so well that even those with limited financial expertise can comprehend it. When questions arise, they answer confidently, making everyone trust their know-how.
- Imagine a VP of HR rolling out a big company change. They listen to what people at all levels are worried about and thoughtfully address those concerns, making everyone feel heard and respected.
These examples show that executive presence is really about communicating, handling challenging situations, and connecting with people.
The good news is that you can improve this skill by practicing with an executive coach!
Presence Coaching vs. Traditional Leadership Training
While both approaches help develop leadership skills, presence coaching suits executives looking to command attention and foster trust.
Check out our comparison table to see the difference between each coaching style:
Presence Coaching | Traditional Leadership Training | |
Focus | Developing ‘presence,’ self-awareness, and client-specific leadership behaviors for creating executive presence. | Offering a broad range of leadership skills such as communication and conflict resolution in a group setting. |
Approach | Highly individualized, providing one-on-one sessions that are relationship-driven. | Typically delivered in workshops and seminars where many people are trained together. |
Customization | Tailored to the specific needs of a leader since sessions involve fewer people. | Based on established frameworks and standardized curriculum, is less personalized. |
Depth of Impact | Results in great, transformative changes in behavior and leadership style. | Mainly enhances knowledge and skills but has a less deep impact. |
Target Audience | Senior leaders seeking tailored solutions for specific aspects of their leadership style. | Emerging leaders or existing leaders needing to hone specific skills. |
Context | Executive presence coaching is done in a one-on-one context. | Training is done in a group context. |
Primary Goal | Help leaders develop a deeper understanding of themselves and change their behavior and mindset. | Skill acquisition and knowledge transfer. |
Curriculum Source | Individualized, based on the client’s needs. | Rooted in and supported by extensive research. |
Cost | Generally higher due to the provision of individualized support. | Typically, it is lower per participant since it is done in groups. |
Feedback Mechanism | Continuous, direct, and individualized feedback. | Periodic feedback, often in a group setting. |
Time Investment | Establishing an ongoing relationship between the client and the executive presence coach requires significant time investment. | Shorter since the program goes on for a specified period. |
Engagement Style | Collaborative and individualized style that fosters open communication and mutual learning. | Hierarchical and directive, with clear top-down communication. |
4 Pillars of Executive Presence
Executive presence rests on four foundational pillars:
1. Gravitas
Gravitas is about projecting confidence and instilling trust. Professionals with gravitas remain composed under pressure, admit mistakes honestly, and take decisive action.
It’s about speaking your truth with courage and conviction.
2. Communication
Professionals with great executive presence know how to communicate well in any setting. They grab attention with compelling stories and then influence people with clear, structured messaging.
Mastering communication in virtual and in-person settings is key.
3. Appearance
Your appearance should match your company culture and role. While your personal style matters, avoid anything too distracting.
Well-fitting clothes, good grooming, and an authentic vibe enhance your executive presence.
4. Presence
Having executive presence means staying focused and engaged, especially in high-stakes moments.
Maintain eye contact, open body language, and mental focus to connect with others. Exuding confidence through body language is as important as what you say.
Targeted coaching in these four areas forms a holistic foundation for improving executive presence in the long run and helps maximize coaching effectiveness.
What Does an Executive Presence Coach Do?
An executive presence coach helps you improve your people skills and confidence.
At Tandem Coaching, our expert coaches work with you one-on-one to:
- Evaluate where you’re at currently with your executive presence
- Pinpoint specific areas you can improve
- Come up with strategies to enhance your people-handling style
- Practice and refine your skills in a safe, judgment-free environment
- Keep you accountable to committed goals and actions between sessions
- Give you honest, constructive feedback to help you get better
The goal is to help you become more aware of how others perceive you as a leader and give you the tools to shape that perception effectively.
Benefits of Coaching for Executive Presence
Executive presence coaching can help you grow and succeed in your career.
Here are two big benefits of executive coaching:
You’ll Become a Better, More Effective Executive
Coaching will improve your ability to influence and lead others. It’s not just about skills—it’s about perception, too.
In a recent study, 52% of men and 45% of the women surveyed said that being seen as having executive presence was more important for getting promoted than having specific qualifications.
Developing your executive presence will help you get better at:
- Inspiring and motivating your team
- Navigating office politics
- Building relationships with important stakeholders
- Communicating your vision clearly
Also, as you demonstrate those abilities, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate a raise or promotion. Companies reward employees who can positively impact the organization.
You’ll Gain More Confidence and Self-Awareness
One of the best parts is the boost it gives your self-confidence. As you get more aware of your strengths and learn to use them, you’ll feel assured about your credentials.
This confidence can create a ripple effect:
- You’ll speak up more in meetings and share your ideas
- You’ll approach challenges with a positive attitude
- You’ll handle difficult situations better
Moreover, the self-awareness you gain through coaching can help you identify and work on blind spots holding you back.
The main benefit is becoming an inspiring and authentic persona others want to follow.
How to Develop Executive Presence
Even though executive presence can seem like something you’re born with, it’s a skill you can get better at with the right help and practice.
This is where Tandem Coaching comes in. Our coaches are experts at helping you boost your executive presence authentically and naturally.
Our approach is:
- Personalized Assessment: We start by understanding your unique strengths and areas for improvement.
- Customized Strategies: Next, we’ll work with you to develop strategies tailored to your personality and career goals.
- Practical Application: You’ll get to practice your new skills in real-life situations.
- Ongoing Support: You’ll get your coach’s continuous feedback and support to ensure the changes stick.
Want to enhance your executive presence? Reach out to us so we can help you reach your full potential and make a bigger impact at your company!
How to Make the Most of Executive Presence Coaching
You need to fully commit to the coaching process to achieve real transformation in your executive presence.
Here are some tips:
- Articulate clear and ambitious outcomes for yourself early on.
- Make time between weekly/bi-weekly sessions to practice and reflect.
- Actively listen to your coach and ask thoughtful questions.
- Step outside your comfort zone to accelerate learning.
- Share experiences with peers working on their presence.
- Keep exploring books, podcasts, and other resources to ingrain new mindsets.
- Maintain focus on consistent improvement over time.
The goal is progress, not perfection. With the right mindset, your executive presence will become noticeable and lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we wrap up, let’s address some common questions regarding executive presence coaching:
Can Executive Presence be Taught?
Absolutely. While some people are more naturally gifted with presence, it is a tangible skill that can be developed through intentional coaching. With expert guidance and practice, you can enhance your executive presence at any career stage.
Our Executive Coaching Program provides personalized coaching tailored to your needs and goals, as well as the expertise and support to unlock your full potential.
How Long Does Executive Presence Coaching Typically Take to See Results?
You begin to see shifts in presence after just a few coaching sessions. However, developing a consistent and automatic executive presence usually requires a few months of investment.
At Tandem Coaching, we recommend a 6-12 month intensive coaching engagement for long-term transformation. Our structured programs embed new mindsets and skills that become second nature.
Why Do Companies Need Employees with Executive Presence?
Conclusion
Does your executive presence currently convey the influence you want? If not, don’t leave it to chance.
At Tandem Coaching, we offer a personalized path to maximize your potential through our Executive Coaching program. Our tailored approach focuses on leveraging your strengths to help you make a significant impact.
With one-on-one coaching, you’ll develop a strategic blueprint based on your goals. Every step is customized to meet your needs and prepare you for future challenges. Accelerate your growth and chart a course for professional excellence.
Take your first step today to get started on your journey.
