What exactly is meant by the term "professional presence," and how can I work toward achieving it?
The ability to take on additional responsibility, seek out and land high-profile initiatives, and carry out duties that have a substantial influence on the bottom line are all traits of employees who develop their executive presence. If you hone these skills, you will improve your capacity to stand out and make a difference in your MBA application and interview.
Why is Executive Presence important?
We as humans on a biological level form impressions based on very little information because our brains are set up to look for threats in the environment. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and best-selling author, says that when people meet you, they quickly decide on two things: Can I trust this person? Can I respect this person? You need others to respect and trust you in order to influence them.
What exactly is Executive Presence?
Allowing the most powerful version of oneself to show through is what presence is all about. A great quote from Sylvia Ann Hewlett, a famous leadership expert, who describes "presence" as a mix of gravitas, communication, and appearance. These components, when combined, create a sense of trustworthiness, expertise, and genuineness. You'll become your most effective professional self if you embody the nine main attributes of executive presence. The top three domains are shown below. Each domain is assigned three competences.
1) Gravitas
Gravitas indicates that you have the confidence and credibility to make your argument and get support. In a survey of over 300 top executives, Hewlett discovered that 67 percent felt gravitas is the most important factor in leadership.
Confidence
You are in command of the situation—calm, grounded, and strong. You lead with conviction that you can do it. You're confident, decisive, and eager to take chances.
Commanding
Others notice your presence and authority in every setting. They notice you when you enter the room, and they pay attention when you talk. People are more likely to trust your argument.
Charismatic
You exude charisma, passion, personal charm, and a positive outlook. People are drawn to you, and you are genuinely interested in them. Others are drawn to your authentic style.
Develop your gravitas:
Being confident is a key component of presence. What if you lack confidence? Cuddy's research on "power posing" could be a great help. Her main thesis is straightforward: You may "fake it until you become it" and feel more powerful by adopting a forceful stance. People throughout the world swear by power posing before a significant meeting or interview, despite the fact that Cuddy's work has generated considerable controversy.
2) Communication and Expression
Communication and gravitas are inextricably linked. Your bearing and speaking abilities develop your confidence and trustworthiness, allowing you to transmit gravity.
Vocal
You freely express your opinions and views. You are honest while expressing your viewpoints. Other people can hear you and see you. You demonstrate your knowledge, skill, and talent.
Insightful
You offer some excellent suggestions. You have good questions and express your thoughts clearly, firmly, and passionately. You have a reputation for critical analysis and clever thinking.
Clear
You have a clear, concise speaking style. You are direct and forthright, and your message is clear and concise. Your communication skills are refined, and you know how to make a point without wasting words on qualifiers or filler sentences.
Step up your game:
It's critical to control your emotions, acknowledge others' emotions, and moderate your responses if you want to communicate effectively. Allow others to speak before you. Make them feel understood by asking them questions. Keep in mind to smile, look them in the eye, and lean forward. You can ask the proper questions and build a foundation for trust and openness to your influence by being in the moment and keeping your attention on the conversation. Use "muscular" language, as described in a 2014 Harvard Business Review article, to project confidence. Try stating "I strongly suggest" and "Here's my proposal" instead of "I just think" or "Maybe that's doable."
3) Appearance and Authority
As much as we may dislike admitting it, appearance is the third component of this jigsaw. This is less about how we appear and more about how we present ourselves. A leader with authority is someone who is bold, decisive, and persuasive. What that actually implies is as follows.
Decisive
You take the initiative and work to find a solution. You immediately make up your mind and decide something with certainty. Yin difficult times you don't hesitate or flinch.
Bold
You are prepared to take risks, bury a dart in the earth, and claim your position. You stand firm in your beliefs. You're prepared to argue and push back.
Influential
You are captivating and persuading. You inspire people to take action. Your well-articulated and forceful points of view influence others to share your convictions. With anybody, you can successfully counter-argue.
Being primed and feeling the part:
Who you are, who you aspire to be, and how you appear should all be closely related. For example, if you want to succeed in the financial industry, you need to appear like someone who knows how to handle money and can be trusted. Determine the successful individuals in your place of employment, and observe how they present themselves. Your internal confidence may be greatly increased by concentrating on your looks. According to research by Adam Galinsky, the Vikram S. Pandit Professor of Business and chair of the Management Division, the act of putting on clothing that you connect with authority can alter your state of mind and give you a boost of confidence. This, in turn, should help you perform better. A person's exterior appearance and inner life are closely related. People may reveal their special gift to the world in ways that will increase their happiness and prosperity when they are more aware of this link and embody presence.