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Marshawn Evans

Executive Presence: 6 Ways to Standout at Work

  • What is it that enables some to get hired, get promoted, go faster and leap farther than the average person? Some call it the “it factor.”  I call it executive presence.
  • There is a special quality common amongst those who hold leadership positions.  It can’t be taught in school, but it can be developed and cultivated through personal awareness and emotional intelligence.
  • Possessing executive presence is important in a rigorous marketplace.  Standing out can give you the competitive edge, but only if you stand in the right way!
  • Those who standout are more likely to be considered for increased responsibility and placed in positions that require enhanced visibility.  This isn’t about beauty!  It is about brilliance balanced with likeability and boldness.
  • Being able to consistently standout in a manner that is authentic and showcases your inner-brilliance can mean the difference between getting hired or fired, promoted or demoted.  Those with a commanding presence are perceived to be more capable and competent.  When is comes to branding and positioning, perception is reality.  Your goal is to build the best perception possible, and then back it up with stellar on-the-job performance.
  • Here are six ways to enhance your career brand while positioning yourself to stand out at work.

1. Demeanor. Your use of body language is your most powerful communication tool.  When speaking with others, stand up straight (most people tend to have a natural slouch), never put your hands behind your back (it makes you appear timid), maintain eye contact no matter what, and by all means give a solid handshake!

2. Attire. In the workplace, dressing professionally is certainly a must.  Many have taken business casual to embarrassingly low levels.  There is nothing wrong with being the best-dressed person in the room.  It does not mean you have to have the most expensive attire, but it does mean you have thought about your visual brand.  My advice is to always dress for the position you want, not the position you have.

3. Communication. What you carries as much weight (and sometimes more) as how you say it.  As such, it is important to incorporate emotional intelligence in the workplace, which is your ability to manage yourself and relate to others in a variety of circumstances.  Additionally, if you are naturally quiet, push yourself to speak up, speak first and, when appropriate, speak more often and voice your ideas.  By doing so, you demonstrate confidence in your abilities.  Just make sure that you are clear, concise and compelling.  (Also, it never hurts to be correct!)

4. Initiative. Take the initiative to start conversations with your colleagues and those in leadership.  You can start by engaging in small talk, asking questions and being genuinely interested in what others have on their plate.  You must step out of your comfort zone if you want to grow and expand your influence at your company.  Those who get promoted are often those who create and cultivate diverse relationships within an organization.

5. Confidence — This is the soil in which your brand must be planted.  You need to be comfortable in your own skin.  That starts by recognizing the skills and qualities that you bring to the table.  Do not focus on what you lack–look at those areas as areas of improvement.  If you can focus on leveraging your personality, integrity, work ethic, and unique perspective, you can grow your confidence.  Executive presence is most recognizable in someone who is self-assured, humble yet unabashedly secure.  This will show in how you speak, act, respond and carry yourself.

6. Intelligence. A personal brand should always start with smart.  There is no substitute for innovative ideas and compelling, cutting-edge solutions.   Remain flexible and open to the ideas of others, but never shy away from letting your light shine as well.  The more you share solution-oriented, value-driven ideas, the more those in leadership will value you as a necessary asset on their team.

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