Your perception of an executive presence is influenced by those you deem to be confident and influential leaders. While the exact formula for a strong leader may vary from person to person or organization to organization. There are a few fail proof techniques below you can use before, during, and after your meetings to establish yourself and secure opportunity.
Before the Meeting:
Vision. Block out 30 minutes of your day to road map the next 5 years of your career, family life, and other goals. With a deeper understanding of where you are going, you can articulate it to those around you. With a compelling, well-articulated vision you equip yourself with a powerful tool to inspire confidence.
Plan. Walking into the meeting with a few points to consider will show your investment in the topic at hand. This will help you process through the topic and avoid sending follow up questions that you forgot to address in the meeting.
During the Meeting:
Communication Skills. An influential individual understands the complex relationships, concerns, and strengths of those they steer the vision for. Throughout the meeting engage in the conversation by asking insightful questions and surveying their thought processes.
Boredom. Even though you likely are day dreaming or thinking about dinner, remain engaged and make eye contact.
Food and Drink. Don’t eat up all the blueberry scones, even if they remind you of your Aunt Kathy’s recipe. Indulge in a small snack and satisfy the rest of your hunger after the meeting.
Composure. Concerns will be voiced, especially if your organization is in a place where they need your vision the most. Approaching the situation with a solution-based mindset will keep those around you calm and they will seek comfort in your response to the problem.
After the Meeting:
Recognize. After you’ve had some time to reflect on the meeting, take the time to follow up with your colleagues that contributed value and recognize them. You can thank them for their impact by writing a quick note, sending an email, or a few words in the office.
