Issue 9: Reclaiming Executive Presence
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
- Oscar Wilde
Welcome to our ninth edition!
In this issue of the Skip-Level Strategies Newsletter, we dive into "Reclaiming Executive Presence." Oscar Wilde's words ring especially true when discussing executive presence. Traditionally, executive presence has been narrowly defined, often leaving out a wide array of talented leaders who don’t fit a particular mold - typically an outdated reflection of middle-aged white males.
We typically approach executive presence by comparing ourselves to a measure that we fall short of. There's executive presence and then there's us.
But what if we told you that executive presence is not about mimicking someone else but about the confidence that shines through when you are fully yourself? Let’s explore this further.
5-MINUTE STRATEGY
Reflect on a moment when you felt truly effective as a leader. What qualities were you embodying? Were you being particularly empathetic, decisive, or transparent? Were you clear, collaborative, and curious? Identify these traits.
Take five minutes to jot down your thoughts in response to the following prompts:
▪️ What unique qualities did I bring to my recent successful leadership interaction?
▪️ How did these qualities influence the outcome? (Get specific here about your words and behaviors. What were you thinking? How did you remind yourself to stay strategic and focused on what you wanted to accomplish? How did you stay connected to others in your interaction?)
▪️ How can I leverage these specific qualities and behaviors in future interactions to bolster the energy and confidence I bring into any room?
This reflective journaling exercise encourages you to delve deeper into your personal leadership style, recognizing the unique strengths and qualities you naturally bring to your role. Not how well you mimic someone else's style, but how your unique style boosts your effectiveness.
By documenting these reflections, you not only affirm your intrinsic value and capabilities but also create a personal blueprint to reclaim and leverage your natural and authentic executive presence in future leadership scenarios.
Why this matters: Your unique executive presence is not about conforming to an outdated ideal but about reclaiming and projecting your true self. Recognizing and leaning into what makes you YOU allows you to connect more deeply with your team, lead more effectively, and own your value as a human being.
Next week's preview
Join us next time for "Embracing and Leading Change," a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Looking forward to our continued growth,
Asia
Bridgewell LLC - Strategy and Leadership
