You Are NOT Born With Executive Presence
One of the biggest myths in leadership is that executive presence is something you either have or you do not. Many leaders believe it is a natural trait reserved for a select few. The truth is far more empowering. Executive presence is a skill. It is learned, practiced, refined, and strengthened over time.
If presence were something you were born with, it would never fluctuate. Yet leaders experience moments where they feel confident and clear followed by moments where their message falls flat. Presence changes based on preparation, awareness, emotional control, and consistency. Those are skills. Skills can be developed.
Why Presence Develops Over Time
Executive presence shows up in how you communicate under pressure, how you respond when challenged, and how consistently others experience you. That level of control does not come from talent alone. It comes from deliberate practice.
Leaders with strong presence have learned how to manage their energy, align their verbal and nonverbal messages, and remain composed when stakes are high. They have practiced until confidence becomes repeatable rather than situational. Presence is not about perfection. It is about reliability.
Discover How You Actually Show Up
Most leaders believe they are communicating clearly and confidently. Few leaders know how they are actually experienced by others.
The first step in developing executive presence is awareness. Leaders must seek honest feedback about how their words, tone, and behaviors land. That includes understanding where they inspire confidence and where they unintentionally create doubt. Self-perception is rarely the same as reputation.
Leaders can begin by paying attention to patterns. Notice when people lean in versus pull back. Observe how teams respond during moments of stress. Ask trusted colleagues for direct input rather than reassurance. Awareness creates choice. Choice creates change.
Practice Presence Intentionally
Presence improves through deliberate focus. That means preparing messages with intention, practicing delivery, and learning how to regulate emotions in real time. It means closing the gap between who you think you are as a leader and how others experience you day to day.
Consistent presence is what builds trust. Trust is what fuels influence.
Develop Presence With Purpose
Executive presence does not improve by accident. It improves with coaching, feedback, and disciplined practice. This is where mentoring makes the difference.
If you are ready to strengthen your executive presence, discover how others experience you, and lead with greater confidence and impact, connect with Stacey Hanke. Her mentoring helps leaders turn awareness into action and skill into influence.
Presence is not something you wait for. It is something you build—Monday to Monday®.
