Projecting An Executive Presence

Don, an experienced Chief Operating Officer was well-liked within his organization and a logical choice to be its next CEO. The organization’s Board of Directors respected his in-depth knowledge of the business, but they had concerns that his persona was not that of a strong leader. I was asked to help him develop a more commanding presence.

Don came across as likeable and genuine, but he needed forcefulness if his ideas were to be taken seriously by the stronger audiences CEOs face. He mumbled and shifted uncomfortably in his chair and on his feet. When he saw the first video replay of himself speaking, he couldn’t believe how “weak and uninteresting I sound,” because he felt such commitment inside himself about the topics he was addressing.

Our work began by having him learn to own the ground on which he stood and project self-assurance in the way he sat. He worked on speaking more forcefully. To give people enough time to absorb his ideas, he explored pausing. The video was invaluable because the new tools felt awkward and unnatural when he first tried them out. There was no disputing their effectiveness, however, when he saw the video replay.

Visually, his clothes needed to fit better and be of higher quality fabric befitting his position in a large organization. He was open to feedback about his appearance and began working with an experienced clothier in a men’s fine clothing store in his city.

Don threw himself wholeheartedly into using the new tools he learned. He saw his influence increase in meetings not because of his position power, but because he was speaking more persuasively and with conviction. Board members began commenting to the current CEO that something was “different” about this executive. He projected a more powerful, confident presence. As he grew more comfortable with the new speaking skills, it was easier for board members to envision him in an expanded leadership role.

Nothing about Don's industry knowledge or familiarity with the company changed, but the way he used himself did. The response was definitely positive. One year later he was promoted to CEO.