- The Art Of Executive Presence: Unlocking The Power Within
- The Unseen Thread: How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Executive Presence [current article]
- Beyond Words: The Power of Communication In Executive Presence [coming soon]
- Executive Gravitas: Cultivating Presence And Purpose [coming soon]
- The Role Of Confidence In Executive Presence [coming soon]
- Tailored Messaging: Strategies For Engaging All Stakeholders [coming soon]
- Decisiveness In Leadership: Embracing Uncertainty And Inspiring Action [coming soon]
- The Calm Leader: How Poise Sets You Apart In High-Stakes Situations [coming soon]
- The Hardest Choices Define You: Understanding How Integrity Shapes Executive Presence [coming soon]
- Persuasion: A Tool for Elevating Your Executive Presence [coming soon]
- Beyond The Power Pose: How Body Language Can Enhance Your Executive Presence [coming soon]
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Executive presence is like a well-tailored suit. It’s the visible part of leadership - how you carry yourself with poise and confidence and how others sit up and take notice when you walk into a room. And the thread that holds the suit of executive presence together is emotional intelligence. It quietly weaves through every interaction ensuring you not only get noticed but connect, inspire, and lead authentically.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) was coined by psychologists Peter Salavoy and John Mayer in 1990. EQ is your ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, understand the emotions of others, and use this information to guide your thoughts and actions.
Let’s dig into how emotional intelligence and executive presence are tied together, why they matter for leaders, and what you can do to develop both.
Reflection:
When was the last time you noticed a leader whose presence made you feel truly connected? What do you think contributed to that?
Unpacking Executive Presence: More Than Just Confidence
We often think of executive presence as staying calm and confident when things get hectic. But it’s more than that. It’s about how you make others feel when they’re around you. Do they feel heard and seen? Do they trust you? Leaders with strong executive presence make people feel secure and confident in their leadership.
Here’s the truth: You can’t have genuine executive presence without emotional intelligence. The more in tune you are with your own emotions—and the emotions of others—the more you can show up as your true self, no matter what’s going on around you. Emotional intelligence is what helps you navigate tough moments with authenticity and lead in a way that makes others feel supported and understood.
When your executive presence is built on emotional intelligence, it’s not just about appearing confident—it’s about being the kind of leader people can rely on.
Reflection:
How do you think your team feels when they interact with you, especially during high-pressure situations? What might they say if asked how you make them feel?
The 5 Elements Of Emotional Intelligence
When researchers first began to discuss emotional intelligence, they identified five key characteristics: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Let’s look at each of the characteristics of emotional intelligence and how they help build your executive presence.
Self-Awareness: The Foundation Of Authentic Leadership
Real executive presence starts with self-awareness. If you know your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers, you can show up confidently without trying to be something you’re not. Self-awareness lets you adjust how you come across in any given situation, which helps you project confidence in an authentic way.
Real-Life Example: One of the leaders I coached wasn’t comfortable with emotions—she was sharp, quick, and highly intelligent but avoided that “feelings” place. After working together, she realized the importance of emotional intelligence and took an EQ self-assessment, which showed that her empathy levels were low. Motivated by her goal to be a truly successful COO, she decided to work on it. She made incredible strides, and when she ran a listening tour, her team members felt indeed seen and heard. They trusted that she would advocate for them, and she delivered on that trust. Her increased self-awareness didn’t just improve her leadership; it transformed how her team engaged with her.
Leaders with high self-awareness are 32% more effective. (Korn Ferry / Tasha Eurich)
Why It Matters: That awareness is key to building trust, especially when the stakes are high. Confidence based on true self-awareness is what creates a calm, trustworthy presence that others gravitate towards.
Reflection:
How well do you understand your own emotional triggers? When was the last time you adjusted your approach based on how you were feeling in the moment?
Composure Under Pressure: The Key To Trust
One of the biggest tests of executive presence is how you handle yourself under pressure. Leaders who can regulate their emotions and keep their cool when things get tough have an undeniable presence. It’s not about suppressing emotions but managing them in a way that shows you’re in control—of both yourself and the situation. Composure in difficult moments is a hallmark of executive presence because it inspires confidence and trust in others.
Real-Life Example: I worked with a leader who had a tendency to "blow his top" when publicly questioned, particularly about his team, or when last-minute, unrealistic expectations were placed on them. He was especially triggered when vendors or suppliers lied about deadlines or didn’t meet safety or quality standards. This created a negative atmosphere and weakened his executive presence in front of his team and peers.
Through our coaching, he realized the impact his emotional reactions were having and began using strategies to stay composed. He’d often take a quick walk or close his door to visualize being on a dock at his favorite lake, where he felt calm and centered. This simple technique helped him regulate his emotions in moments of frustration. As he became more composed, his executive presence strengthened. His team felt the difference in how he handled tough situations, and they began to trust and respect him more. His ability to remain calm and measured under pressure became a key part of his leadership presence, earning him greater credibility with both his team and stakeholders.
Leaders who practice emotional self-regulation are 28% more effective in resolving conflicts and managing crises. (Journal of Organizational Behavior)
Why It Matters: Leaders who master self-regulation are not only better at managing their own stress but also create an environment of stability for their teams. Staying composed under pressure inspires confidence and helps the team stay focused.
Reflection:
Think about a recent challenge—how did you manage your emotions? How might your team have experienced your leadership during that time?
Purpose-Driven Leadership: Fueling Executive Presence
Leaders with strong executive presence aren’t just motivated by external rewards. They have a clear sense of purpose that drives them, and it shows in how they lead. When you’re motivated by something deeper, like your values or a long-term vision, you project confidence and clarity—two key elements of executive presence.
Real-Life Example: One of the CEOs I’ve coached had a very clear mission, vision, and culture for his organization. He cared deeply about his staff and treated them incredibly well. Whenever I heard about the ways he went above and beyond for his team, he would simply say, "It’s the [company name] way." More than that, he had an incredible sense of how he wanted to serve his partners and clients. The mantra he developed was well-known both internally and externally, and it reflected his motivation: to lead with integrity, serve as a servant leader, and always exceed expectations. This driving sense of purpose fueled incredible growth, success, and loyalty—both within the organization and among external partners.
Highly motivated leaders are 36% more likely to inspire their teams and drive success. (Gallup)
Why It Matters: Purpose-driven leadership is essential for creating lasting impact. When you’re clear about your values and vision, you inspire trust and loyalty in others. Research shows that highly motivated leaders are 36% more likely to inspire their teams and drive success (Gallup).
Reflection:
What’s your “why” as a leader? How does it shape the way you show up for your team, especially in moments of uncertainty?
Empathy In Action: Building Deeper Connections
Empathy might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of executive presence, but it’s essential. When you genuinely understand and care about the people you lead, you build trust—and that trust forms the foundation of your presence as a leader. Empathy lets people know that you see them and makes them feel valued.
Real-Life Example: My client C is a master at this. No matter how hectic things were, he always took a moment to connect in person, send a personalized thank you, and inquire about family, friends, health, and anything else he knew mattered to people. He is incredibly well-spoken and kind—his genuine interest and ability to deeply listen and reflect back have made him one of the most trusted leaders in his organization. His empathy is so valued that he’s a strong contender for the top spot should it open up.
Leaders who demonstrate empathy are 20% more effective in managing their teams. (Harvard Business Review)
Why It Matters: Empathy builds deep connections and trust within a team. When you take the time to understand your people, you create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and heard. This not only boosts morale but also enhances performance.
Reflection:
How often do you check in with your team on a personal level? What small steps could you take to deepen those connections and build more trust?
Social Skills: The Art Of Influence And Connection
Strong social skills are key to executive presence. It’s about how you build relationships, navigate conversations, and handle conflict. Leaders who can communicate clearly, manage different personalities, and influence without being overbearing have a natural executive presence that inspires those around them.
Real-Life Example: My client K is a bit of a chameleon, and I mean that in the nicest way. She can talk highbrow and high fashion, grab a burger in a dive bar, discuss philanthropy, or dive into yoga and books. Basically, if you bring up anything (except maybe sports), she’s all in. K is an extroverted people-person who loves to connect and share. She’s beloved throughout her organization for her incredible ability to connect with just about anyone. As a speaker, her authentic approach captivates audiences, and her deep human connection allows her to find the win-win in nearly every situation. She’s able to influence and inspire effortlessly, which is why she’s such a trusted and admired leader.
Leaders with strong social skills are 37% more effective at managing team dynamics and influencing outcomes. (Goleman, Emotional Intelligence)
Why It Matters: Leaders with strong social skills create lasting connections that drive collaboration and trust.
Reflection:
In what areas of your leadership are your social skills strongest? Where could you improve to create stronger, more effective connections?
Why Emotional Intelligence And Executive Presence Matter For Leaders
When you combine emotional intelligence with executive presence, you create something powerful. Leaders who have both aren’t just in the room—they own the room. They build trust, communicate effectively, and create environments where people feel safe to contribute and thrive.
But executive presence isn’t just about how you’re perceived—it’s about how you make others feel. Leaders with high emotional intelligence and strong executive presence inspire loyalty, trust, and high performance from their teams. They lead from a place of authenticity and connection, which makes people naturally want to follow.
How To Hone These Skills To Elevate Your Leadership
Developing both emotional intelligence and executive presence takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Develop Self-Awareness
Take time to reflect on your emotions and how they influence your behavior. Know your strengths, and be aware of how you come across to others. By developing self-awareness, you’ll be able to project confidence that’s grounded in authenticity. Here are some things you can try:
// Create Space For Reflection
Take 10-15 minutes at the end of each day to think about how your emotions influenced your actions. Were there moments when frustration, excitement, or stress crept in and shaped your decisions? This reflection helps you catch patterns and grow more mindful of how you show up.
// Seek Feedback From Trusted Voices
Ask a colleague or mentor you trust to give you honest feedback about how you come across in meetings or under stress. Sometimes we think we’re calm and collected, but others might see things we miss. This feedback can help you align your intentions with your actions.
// Watch For Blind Spots
It’s easy to lean on our strengths, but sometimes those strengths can overshadow how we’re perceived. Take a moment to consider: Do any of my strong suits—like confidence or decisiveness—sometimes come off as too much? A little self-awareness goes a long way toward more authentic leadership.
Practice Emotional Regulation
Learn to stay calm under pressure. The more composed you are, the more confident and effective you appear. Composure in difficult moments inspires trust and shows others that you’re in control, which strengthens your executive presence. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
// Pause And Breathe
When a situation feels heated, pause for a few seconds before reacting. This small moment to breathe helps you respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, keeping emotions in check.
// Develop Personal Rituals For Calm
Maybe it’s deep breathing, a quick walk, or even a grounding phrase you repeat to yourself before a high-stakes meeting. Find a calming ritual that works for you and use it when you need to steady yourself.
// Prepare For Challenges
If you know an upcoming situation will test your patience or push your buttons, think about how you’ll handle it in advance. Having a plan makes it easier to stay composed, which will inspire trust and confidence in those around you.
Stay Motivated By Purpose
Know your “why.” Leaders with a strong sense of purpose naturally project confidence and clarity. When your motivation is driven by values and long-term vision, it inspires trust and loyalty from your team and stakeholders. Here are a few ways to keep your “why” top of mind:
// Revisit Your Values
Every few months, take a step back to reflect on what really drives you as a leader. Are your day-to-day actions aligning with your core values? Reconnecting with your purpose can reinvigorate your leadership and ensure you’re leading with clarity and authenticity.
// Break It Down
Link even the small tasks to your bigger vision. When things feel overwhelming, reminding yourself how today’s actions contribute to the future you’re working toward can reignite your motivation.
// Share Your 'Why' With Your Team
People are naturally drawn to leaders who are transparent about their motivations. By sharing your purpose and values, you invite others to rally around a common cause, which builds trust and strengthens your presence.
Lead By Empathy
Take time to listen and understand the people you lead. Building trust is key to executive presence. By leading with empathy, you foster deeper connections, creating an environment where people feel valued and respected, which strengthens your leadership presence. Here are a few ways to begin building your empathy today:
// Listen Deeply
When someone shares their thoughts or concerns, focus on listening fully rather than thinking about your response. You’ll not only gain a better understanding but also show that you genuinely value their input.
// Adapt Your Communication Style
People are different, and so are their communication needs. Take time to check in with your team individually and learn what motivates them. This small gesture creates a ripple effect of trust and respect.
// Use Empathy When Making Decisions
Before making important decisions, consider the impact from your team’s perspective. How will this decision affect them emotionally or in the long term? Leaders who make space for empathy build stronger, more connected teams.
Build Social Skills
Work on your communication and relationship-building skills. Being able to connect with others is crucial to effective leadership. Leaders with strong social skills can effectively manage diverse teams, inspire collaboration, and influence outcomes, which significantly enhances their executive presence. Building your social skills will help in every area of life. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
// Focus On Relationship-Building
Cultivate your network regularly, not just when you need something. Genuine relationships are built over time, so show interest in others by listening, helping, or simply checking in. Strong, authentic relationships are a cornerstone of executive presence.
// Tailor Your Communication
Be mindful of who’s in the room and adapt your communication style accordingly. Whether you’re leading a team meeting or addressing senior leadership, the way you deliver your message matters. Thoughtful communication strengthens connection and influence.
// Create Space For Others' Ideas
Make it a point to invite input from your team during meetings by asking open-ended questions. When you actively encourage others to share their perspectives, you demonstrate confidence in your leadership and build a more collaborative environment.
Each of these steps is a key element of emotional intelligence and directly strengthens your leadership presence, helping you lead more authentically and effectively.
Ready to elevate your leadership? Our one-on-one executive coaching will meet you where you’re at, help you move through challenges and support your growth so you can inspire trust and confidence within your organization.
