What "Executive Presence" Looks Like Today
Once defined by gravitas, sharp communication, and polished appearance, executive presence (EP) has deepened and diversified over the past decade. The world has shifted—fueled by events like the pandemic, social justice movements, virtual work, and economic uncertainty. So have our expectations for leaders, especially those aspiring to the C‑suite.
1. Gravitas: Confidence Meets Inclusivity
- Still essential: Confidence and decisiveness continue to be the bedrock of gravitas
- New priorities: Inclusiveness and respect now carry major weight—recognizing diverse backgrounds and existing beyond mere optics.
- Put into practice: Show empathy, hire and mentor diversely, build teams that genuinely reflect varied perspectives, and lean into your own blind spots.
2. Communication: From “Commanding the Room” to “Listening to Learn”
- Core skills endure: Articulate, engaging speaking remains a must.
- Evolved competencies: Comfort and presence on video platforms like Zoom are now critical—and so is the ability to ask questions, listen, and adapt.
- Leadership in action: Lead with curiosity—ask open-ended questions, glean insights from diverse voices, and demonstrate responsiveness.
3. Appearance: Authenticity Over Polishing
- Deprioritized polish: Appearance, once central to EP, now ranks lowest
- New values: Authenticity—being real, unfiltered, and purpose-driven—is now a key signal of leadership.
- Hybrid-ready: Dress for the “new normal”—think suitable for both camera and real-world settings—and craft a credible digital persona.
Why These Shifts Matter
- Reflecting deeper change: These updates mirror broader social progress—recognizing that DEI, digital fluency, and realness are not optional extras but central to leadership success.
- Everybody wins: The good news? These are learnable skills, not innate traits restricted to an elite few.
Your EP Playbook: Six Traits to Grow
According to Hewlett, today's EP depends on developing and integrating six key attributes:
· Gravitas: Confidence and decisiveness
· Communication: speaking skills and virtual presence
· Appearance: Authenticity and Dressing for hybrid work
Getting Started: 3 Action Steps
- Assess where you stand
- Which of the six traits are your strengths? Where could you grow—especially around inclusion, virtual command, or authenticity?
- Seek feedback and mentoring
- Identify sponsors who can give insight into how you're seen—and coach you through any blind spots.
- Practice deliberately
- Plan virtual presentations, ask more clarifying questions, refine your personal brand. Small bets = big payoff.
Final Take: Modern EP Is About Impact
Executive presence today isn’t about perfection—it’s about impact. Leaders who connect with confidence, engage with curiosity, and show up with authenticity send a message: “I belong here—and so do you.” And that is the future of leadership.