Mastering career Presence in 2024
Presence gets you noticed. When you enter a room. When you listen. When you express your real and bold self.
I am obsessed with the research on presence. I consume it all! Presence on stage. Presence at work. Female presence. Leadership presence.
Presence is a way of being. It is magnetic. (Ask my clients!)
What is going to happen in 2024 when you’re NOT seen? NOT heard? NOT noticed online?
Let me tell you how presence is NOT attained.
Being busy
Being riddled with self-doubt
Swallowing your ideas and playing small
Not showing up online (there are two parts to showing up online. 1. Put your camera on. 2. Have a digital presence on your platform of choice).
The latest research on Executive Presence (EP) demonstrates the shift of importance in the traits of Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s research on the qualities. Here are the top 3 traits of each area of EP.
Gravitas
Confidence: The “I trust myself” skill that allows others to trust you too.
Decisiveness: To confidently commit to a chosen path and take responsibility for the outcomes, fostering a culture of accountability.
Inclusiveness: This goes beyond diverse backgrounds. It ensures that everyone’s voice are appreciated and valued. Fostering safety for employees to speak up.
Communication
Superior Speaking Skills: Approach your voice like a musical instrument. This takes you beyond clarity of speech and articulation.
Command a room / Zoom: Getting noticed (making heads turn) and making a lasting impact (leaving others inspired by your presence).
Listen to learn orientation: Not listening to agree or disagree. Using curiosity and seeking to understand a variety of perspectives.
Image
Polished look: You don’t need to be a supermodel. Just polish your shoes, get a manicure, and wear ironed clothes.
Authenticity: Adding your style and personality to the way you dress
Fitness/ vigor: Physical and well-being give the message that you’ve got the health, stamina and energy to be resilient in your work environment.
I want to encourage you with the belief that presence is a learnable skill. It is enhanced with practice. Select one trait that you’d love to focus on. Read up on it. Journal about it. Observe it in others. Practice in low-pressure environments. Keep going because you’ve got what it takes.