How to build authentic executive presence

MOST people misunderstand what executive presence really is. They think it’s about being polished, speaking confidently, having the right title or always knowing the answer — but those things alone won't help you gain influence, earn trust or get promoted faster.

- TIFFANY UMAN

According to a recent Gartner study, about 89% of HR leaders say executive presence is a key factor in determining leadership potential, yet less than a third of employees demonstrate it consistently. The reason behind this is that real executive presence isn’t just about performance - it’s about how people experience your leadership, especially when stakes are high.

Being good at your job doesn’t automatically make you a good people manager. Employees are often moved into leadership roles before they’ve developed the level of emotional intelligence necessary to manage other people. To have gravitas and executive presence, you need to inspire others and build positive relationships with them.

Here's a guide to what it really takes to build authentic executive presence and become someone others want to follow, promote and listen to.

Communicate with precision

Strong communicators don’t say more. They say what matters clearly, calmly and with conviction. When speaking with senior leaders, there’s no room for filler, rambling or uncertainty. The goal is to make it impossible to misinterpret your message.

@ Lead with the “so what” - why this should matter to them.