5 Ways to Build a Stronger Executive Presence
As the newest member of Turn Two Communications, for me it feels like starting high school all over again. Learning the lay of the land, trying to make a good impression with everyone you encounter, excited, yet nervous because you don’t want to do or say the wrong thing that would make people look at you differently.
Your only goal: To fit in.
As I start my career, I’m realizing that I experience the same anxiety that most of us feel when we pursue something new or unfamiliar. While I am loving every minute of this opportunity, I can also admit that deep down inside I am so afraid to do the wrong thing.
To combat this fear, it helps to remind myself that I am not alone. Anyone who has built a successful career at some point has stood in my shoes. We all get nervous from time to time, whether it is presenting in front of a group of people or being in a meeting on Zoom.
What I am learning is that it’s OK to have these feelings. The key is to use them as motivation to keep growing professionally, ‘fit in,’ and, ultimately, stand out.
A while back, my supervisor from a previous internship suggested that I read up on something called Executive Presence. Simply put, your executive presence is the way you speak, walk, and present yourself. It is your confidence that captivates an audience and moves people to listen to you.
As I learned more, I thought about how I could apply it to my life and career goals. I knew that more times than not, my anxiety spoke louder than my own words in some meetings. If I felt it, I figured that my bosses and colleagues could see it too.
The great thing about focusing on executive presence is that it can be beneficial to you regardless of what stage you are in your career. And if you are in a management role, it’s something that can be extremely helpful to talk about with new hires and those just starting out.
Here are five suggestions that I find helpful to building a stronger executive presence:
Have a plan. When you know what you’re working towards and you’ve done all of your homework, the confidence will soon follow.
Understand how others see and receive you. This is key because you need to be able to handle yourself in all situations. This also will put you on track to having access to the senior level executives that you see yourself becoming one day.
Build your communication skills. This is very important, especially in the field of PR. We are communicators, and it is important that we continue to grow so that you can effectively communicate with your team, clients, bosses, etc.
As great of a communicator as you are, you must be an even better listener. How will you meet the needs of your clients, your staff, or employer if you don’t listen?
Control your stress! Easier said than done, I know. We may be at an advantage at this moment, due to virtual (almost) everything. If you’re working from home, and you begin to feel overwhelmed, give your eyes a break and walk away for a bit. We have entered a time of self-care, never feel guilty for taking care of you first.
The world of communications and public relations is ever-changing. As we continue to navigate this world together, I propose that we stick together.
For those early in your career, know that it’s OK to be nervous and make some mistakes.
For more seasoned professionals, I recommend you keep my high school analogy in mind: Be that upperclassman who takes a newbie under your wing to help them navigate and thrive in uncharted territory.
The time and effort you put into helping someone launch a successful career won’t be forgotten. And through the mentoring process, everyone benefits through new perspectives, fresh ideas, and more collaboration.
— Mori Oriowo