What It Takes To Be Seen

Some people can dominate the boardroom or a networking event with just their presence. It's not because they're famous, it's simply because they have the ‘it’ factor. This could be in the form of how they present themselves or their communication skills. And in the corporate world, we call this the ‘Executive Presence.’ 

Executive Presence is highly correlated with leadership roles. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Talent Innovations (CTI), it is not enough for someone to just be perceived as someone with leadership potential, one must walk the talk as well. I deal with executives regularly and what I noticed is that these people have three things in common that embody their Executive Presence: Character, Charisma, and Tenacity.

Character

“We are polarized by people who have been through a lot and have defied the odds."

"Character is not made out of sunshine and roses. Like steel, it is forged in fire, between the hammer and the anvil."- Chin Ning Chu.

Been there, done that, still going for it. We are polarized by people who have been through a lot and have defied the odds. It makes them fearless knowing that they could bounce back from adversity. This makes them confident, and this makes us gravitate towards them.

Charisma

"And just like that, without you noticing their charismatic craftsmanship, you already like them."

Knowing what to say, when to say it, how to say it, and whom to say it to takes a lot of comprehensions. Charismatic people make it look like it's easy, but it isn’t. They are very much aware of their surroundings and they listen attentively. Whether it's body language, environment, or information from conversations, these people curate an experience that is to their advantage. And just like that, without you noticing their charismatic craftsmanship, you already like them.

Tenacity

"Tenacity is deliberate determination."

It can be a laser-like focus just like how Steve Jobs does it or how someone pierces you through questions while absorbing information voraciously. Tenacity is a deliberate determination. You don't just act on it, you follow through.

There's no templated approach on how one acquires an ‘Executive Presence.’ It can be through power dressing, but again, we've met people who simply wear casual clothes and you already know that they have it. So whatever your means are, I believe these three things are non-negotiable.

The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any mentioned entity.