Executive Presence is a way of being, speaking and acting that makes others take notice and listen.
Caroline Ravenall
Executive Presence Coaching
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Leading with Presence in a VUCA World
Ask anyone about the meaning of Executive Presence and you may get a variety of answers. Some people may describe it as a ‘magical and elusive characteristic’, others may simply say ‘you’ll know it when you see it’. One thing is clear, however, Executive Presence is more than just looking the part and delivering a slick presentation. Executive presence is an art – whether we are on or off stage. The good news is that Executive Presence is a skill that can be mastered – with a little bit of insight.
As a leader, every action we take, or don’t take, communicates. Our capacity to ‘walk the talk’ and lead by example is constantly being scrutinized. In order to get the best from a team of people, or an entire organisation, it is important to be relatable, authentic and engaging. The way we listen, show up, deal with the feelings of others and manage our own demeanour, will determine the presence that we portray
Having an inspiring presence includes developing a powerful Way of Being in the world. This includes, but it not limited to, the following:
Communication – Leaders are paid to have high quality conversations that get results. It is essential to communicate clearly and concisely in the language of your audience. Tone of voice, moods and emotions and non verbal signals play a critical role in effective message delivery.
Clarity – includes being clear on your personal vision and purpose, and checking alignment between yourself, your team and your organisation. Clarity also includes the capacity to simplify complexity while mastering the art of critical thinking.
Courage – The is the ability to speak up and take a stand or stand alone in the face of resistance. It means committing to actions, following through and leading yourself and others. It includes the capacity to take risks, to be resilient and comfortable with failure and uncertainty.
Credibility – This means engaging in consistent authentic interactions which portray competence, trustworthiness, integrity, nobility, sincerity and elegance.
Creativity – This is a critical skill for our disruptive world and includes the ability to see patterns and connections between abstract ideas relevant to self, the team and the business while relating them back to individual and organisational value.
Confidence – Confidence relates to the value that you bring to an organisation. It involves knowing your purpose, who you are, what you care about, what energises you and the values you hold and serve (your moral compass). It also includes the capacity to connect this to the value that the organisations delivers. Confidence reflects the need to strengthen your mindset and your resolve and take time for self-discovery and deep reflection.
Centredness – Our non verbal presence conveys a powerful message to our team. Research has shown that 55% of the message we deliver is non verbal in nature. Being centred is about being present, focussed and showing up with openness, lightness, authenticity and quiet confidence even in times of challenge or difficulty.
Connection – This is the capacity to get things done through others. It includes the ability to engage the hearts and minds of others and take them with you on the journey. Connection is about embracing your humanity (we are not machines). It is also about being socially adept, empathetic, curious, creative, humorous and also vulnerable.
- A rich journey of discovery
- 100% Confidentiality
- Getting clarity on what you want – vision and purpose
- Defining what Executive Presence means to you
- Introduction to a powerful framework for change and self observation
- Practicing the art of influential conversation
- Opportunities to explore values, beliefs, behaviors
- Self assessment
- Learning and growth
- Powerful questions
- Mentoring and feedback
- Leadership and culture diagnostic assessments
- Peer and coach feedback
- Challenging conversations
- Clarifying goals
- Practical exercises / role plays
- Being pushed out of your comfort zone
- Coach accompanied onsite team meetings
- Walking /coaching in nature
- Homework / keeping a journal
- Defining your unique way of being
- Fun and laughter
- A sounding board
- Space to muse and reflect
- Support and encouragement
- Progress and setbacks
- Amazement and disbelief
‘What a great addition to our leadership development programme! Caroline’s expertise in how we practice leadership through our bodies and physical presence is phenomenal. Her work brings to the conversation of leadership development a necessary, and long overdue reconnection with our way of physically showing up as leaders in our organisations and the world. She has a remarkable talent for teaching a complex body of work in a simple, understandable and engaging way to a diverse audience of leaders and managers from all levels of our organisation. I appreciated her frank and open way of being and would certainly hope to work with her again in future!’
Clinton D u Preez – Learning & Development Manager. Democratic Alliance
