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In order to reach a goal, overcome an obstacle or reach a new level in life or an organization, leaders need the authority, poise and professionalism that creates influence. That’s called leadership presence.
Becoming an agent of positive, effective change in any position or profession requires a communication style. When you lack the skills to communicate your thoughts, strategize with colleagues and support and promote others, it negatively affects others’ perceptions of you. Without that calm, confident demeanor, leaders can’t truly own their roles and represent them as they should. Leaders, executives, women in business, entrepreneurs and others are often met with numerous challenges, but channeling and using leadership presence allows them to move forward with purpose and influence.
Leadership presence is critical for promotion, career evolution and advancing toward your goals. Finding the clarity to assess my strengths and weaknesses and develop leadership presence has meant the difference between moving up the ladder and creating the career you deserve, and remaining stagnant and missing out on career and personal opportunities.
Case Studies: Creating the Presence for Career Transformation
Some leaders don’t quite grasp the importance of their leadership presence and its impact on their professional reputation. One particular client was dealing with just this challenge when she began to work with Dr. Tibbs. She was seeking a promotion to a high-level position just under the CEO, however her presence made her staff feel unsafe working under her. What’s more, they were complaining to the CEO about it. While the CEO believed in her and her abilities, and even wanted her to get the position, he knew that she had to change this perception problem. Dr. Tibbs worked with this client to adjust behaviors, be more aware of her body language and take stock of her thoughts. This allowed her to shift others’ perceptions of her from abrupt and overly confident to someone who was confident but inclusive. She was ultimately promoted and very successful in her new role.
Another leader was dealing with an industry change when he and Dr. Tibbs began to work together. In his former industry, he had to be confident, abrupt and direct. However, in his new position – which was also with a new company and new city –the leadership presence and style that had gotten him promoted in the past was actually a detriment. He was told he needed to change. With Dr. Tibbs help, he was able to make over his leadership presence and style so he could influence others in a way that fit the company culture. He became more self-aware and gained the tools he needed to be more influential without being harsh and abrupt. Not only did this new perspective help him be a better leader, but also reduced his stress levels as he didn't have to fight everyone to be respected and seen as a leader.
Three Areas of Leadership Presence
As you work to develop your presence, you will notice growth, advancement and greater command of these three key areas.
Misunderstanding and Misusing Leadership Presence Can Harm Your Advancement
All that said, there is a right and a wrong way to put your leadership presence into practice. People often confuse leadership presence with showmanship. And, those who waltz into the boardroom and immediately own the environment don’t necessarily possess the qualities of a true leader. An executive who does possess leadership presence knows when to dazzle and when to encourage others to use their voices. The difference between a showman and a leader is having that essential wisdom, calm and perceptiveness to know the difference.
Effective leaders lead, this is true, but they also inspire leadership and abilities in others. Not only does this improve the level of work and talent to benefit your organization, but it builds trust and grows your sphere of influence. Leaving people with a lasting positive impression helps to cement you as a true leader intent on improving yourself and others.
Leadership Presence Development Grows With You
As leaders move up into new, more challenging roles, leadership presence will need to be further developed and refined. With continuous career advancement and life changes, should come more resilience, a larger sphere of influence and a strong and effective leadership voice.
Becoming an agent of positive, effective change in any position or profession requires a communication style. When you lack the skills to communicate your thoughts, strategize with colleagues and support and promote others, it negatively affects others’ perceptions of you. Without that calm, confident demeanor, leaders can’t truly own their roles and represent them as they should. Leaders, executives, women in business, entrepreneurs and others are often met with numerous challenges, but channeling and using leadership presence allows them to move forward with purpose and influence.
Leadership presence is critical for promotion, career evolution and advancing toward your goals. Finding the clarity to assess my strengths and weaknesses and develop leadership presence has meant the difference between moving up the ladder and creating the career you deserve, and remaining stagnant and missing out on career and personal opportunities.
Case Studies: Creating the Presence for Career Transformation
Some leaders don’t quite grasp the importance of their leadership presence and its impact on their professional reputation. One particular client was dealing with just this challenge when she began to work with Dr. Tibbs. She was seeking a promotion to a high-level position just under the CEO, however her presence made her staff feel unsafe working under her. What’s more, they were complaining to the CEO about it. While the CEO believed in her and her abilities, and even wanted her to get the position, he knew that she had to change this perception problem. Dr. Tibbs worked with this client to adjust behaviors, be more aware of her body language and take stock of her thoughts. This allowed her to shift others’ perceptions of her from abrupt and overly confident to someone who was confident but inclusive. She was ultimately promoted and very successful in her new role.
Another leader was dealing with an industry change when he and Dr. Tibbs began to work together. In his former industry, he had to be confident, abrupt and direct. However, in his new position – which was also with a new company and new city –the leadership presence and style that had gotten him promoted in the past was actually a detriment. He was told he needed to change. With Dr. Tibbs help, he was able to make over his leadership presence and style so he could influence others in a way that fit the company culture. He became more self-aware and gained the tools he needed to be more influential without being harsh and abrupt. Not only did this new perspective help him be a better leader, but also reduced his stress levels as he didn't have to fight everyone to be respected and seen as a leader.
Three Areas of Leadership Presence
As you work to develop your presence, you will notice growth, advancement and greater command of these three key areas.
- Authentic Leadership Voice: With increased confidence and clarity, you can speak with authority, and clearly communicate well-thought out ideas. You will discover not only how your articulate communication impacts your career, but also when (and when not) to wield your voice.
- Sphere of Influence: Communicating articulately and authentically will help you build trust among colleagues and superiors. As you cultivate key relationships, you will learn to influence and empower others, leverage connections and deal with conflict.
- Resilient Approach: Ultimately, you will begin to master problem-solving skills and see through complicated issues to their core. You will develop the air of calmness and resilience that effective leaders possess, and bounce back from missteps quickly and gracefully.
Misunderstanding and Misusing Leadership Presence Can Harm Your Advancement
All that said, there is a right and a wrong way to put your leadership presence into practice. People often confuse leadership presence with showmanship. And, those who waltz into the boardroom and immediately own the environment don’t necessarily possess the qualities of a true leader. An executive who does possess leadership presence knows when to dazzle and when to encourage others to use their voices. The difference between a showman and a leader is having that essential wisdom, calm and perceptiveness to know the difference.
Effective leaders lead, this is true, but they also inspire leadership and abilities in others. Not only does this improve the level of work and talent to benefit your organization, but it builds trust and grows your sphere of influence. Leaving people with a lasting positive impression helps to cement you as a true leader intent on improving yourself and others.
Leadership Presence Development Grows With You
As leaders move up into new, more challenging roles, leadership presence will need to be further developed and refined. With continuous career advancement and life changes, should come more resilience, a larger sphere of influence and a strong and effective leadership voice.