5 Strategies to Develop Executive Leadership Presence

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

Many young nurses tell me that they hope one day to be selected for an executive nurse leader role. I always advise them that the rules and criteria for selection for the top leadership role in any organization are different than those for middle management roles. Performance, hard work and leadership potential are not enough to propel you into an executive suite. At this level in the organization, roles are given to individuals who not only have the skill set but also look and act the part. Executive presence (EP) according to Sylvia Ann Hewlett (Director for the Center for Talent Innovation) rests on three core pillars: gravitas (the ability to show strength of character and be taken seriously in the role), communication skills and appearance. In her research, Hewlett has found that senior executives report that EP counts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted to the top level of any organization. Getting the right feedback to improve your executive presence can be challenging but here are five strategic areas that you need to work on to develop your executive presence:

Dress the part of an executive and work on your physical appearance – while appearance is not the major component of executive presence, it is important. Nurse leaders often spend little time focused on their clothes, hair or nails but the executive level in an organization – a well polished appearance is very important. An unkempt appearance detracts from your gravitas. Body language also matters including posture, eye contact and use of one’s hands. It is often said that if you desire an executive role, begin dressing like one even before you seek the position.
Become more influential – people who exhibit executive presence exude a “wow factor,” or magnetism, and are able to easily influence others. They learn to speak using clear, strong language and communicate with passion and energy – conveying the impression that they should be listened to. Influence is built on trusting relationship and the ability express empathy and be genuine and believable. To be influential, you must have a point of view and be willing to express it.
Develop a high level of emotional intelligence – the ability to accurately read an audience or situation contribute to a person’s perceived executive presence. You need to have your personal emotions under tight control and demonstrate grace and composure when confronted with difficult situations. Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness. Learn to say the right thing at the right time and leave unsaid the wrong thing at the emotional moment.
Exude confidence in your abilities and knowledge – To be taken seriously as an executive, you need to believe in your own abilities and use an authoritative tone displaying positive body language by standing tall, firmly shaking hands and making eye contact. Executive candidates are consummate professionals and can be relied upon for their expertise.
Be a trusted collaborator – executives rarely work alone so being seen as a team player who can be trusted is important. Demonstrating grace under fire, decisiveness and the confidence to “speak truth to power” — speaking up even when it’s politically unfavorable — all convey an individual’s gravitas.

Executive presence is somewhat like wisdom – it develops along the way. It can be hard to accurately evaluate your own executive presence but if you are truly interested in an executive role – your EP will matter. That is why coaching from a trusted executive leader colleague can jump start you on this journey.

Read to Lead

Hewlett, S.A. (December 30th, 2013 Harvard Business Review Blog). Five New Year’s resolutions every leader should make.

Shirey, M. (2013). Executive presence for strategic influence. Journal of Nursing Administration, 43(7,8); 373-376.