Both men, while very different in many other ways, shared the same magnetism and ability to ignite popular support which helped to propel them to power, and was a key factor in keeping them there too.
Not everyone is, or can become, a great leader. A Gallup study that looked at corporate leadership and management found that just 10% of the population are natural leaders. Another 20% of people possess enough leadership traits to become great leaders with training and guidance.
We all know a bad manager when we see––or work for––one, but it is harder to articulate what makes an exceptional leader. In fact, 51% of HR workers find it hard to quantify, but 81% of them say they’ll know it when they see it.
In the workplace, truly great leaders possess an “it factor”, also known as “executive presence”. Inspiring leaders tend to have a few other things in common: trustworthiness, the ability to bring people together––as well as along with them––plus great empathy and communication skills, along with the ability to work well under pressure.
People with executive presence earn their employee’s respect—not because they ask for it, but because they can actually command it.
The term was first coined in 2014 by author Sylvia Ann Hewlett via the release of her business book Executive Presence, Hewlett says executive presence is “the missing link between merit and success”.
It’s found in confident and capable people who understand that being a leader is as much about perception as it is ability. Those with executive presence also have high emotional intelligence: This helps with issues around conflict and communication, and it also aids in making connections across an entire workforce.
Cultivate your executive presence
So how can you cultivate your own brand of executive presence? According to Sylvia Ann Hewlett, executive presence embodies all the classic leadership tenets, but it can be defined by three key traits: Gravitas, communication skills and appearance are its foundational pillars.
Do your peers take you seriously, and does your word hold weight: both are important elements of gravitas. When it comes to appearance, this is less about clothes––and far more about how you present your whole self in the workplace.
On communication skills, Apple’s Steve Jobs said that leadership communication isn’t about your oration style. Rather, it is about your ability to inspire confidence and belief. Jobs famously said, “People who know what they are talking about don’t need PowerPoint.”
His point speaks to how those with executive presence can and should be able to persuade others by being inspiring, effective communicators. Good leaders already trust in their own judgement and decision making, and can inspire the C-suite and wider teams as a true measure of executive presence.
For those with leadership ambitions, cultivating executive presence within your current organisation is the ideal. It can be easier to make a sideways move in order to get ahead and if you are looking for a new opportunity, discover three senior roles below, with many more on the IFSC Job Board.
Senior Compliance Officer, AXA, Dublin
AXA is looking for an experienced Senior Compliance Officer who has at least five years’ in a data protection environment, who can provide accurate and timely data protection advice, assisting in embedding a culture of compliance with relevant legislation into the day-to-day running of the business. You’ll also contribute to the development of the relationship with relevant data protection authorities. A professional certificate in insurance (APA Personal & Commercial) is essential with commitment to progress to CIP and/or equivalent insurance qualifications such as DII. Discover all the requirements here.
Senior Accountant, Morgan McKinley, Dublin
Morgan McKinley is seeking a Senior Accountant for a client, to deliver guidance, insight, and technical expertise in relation to general accounting. You will support the completion of the close process, support day-to-day capture of performance metrics, and be responsible for delivery of the general accounting processes and activities. If this role appeals, you’ll need to be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA) and have three to five years’ of general accounting experience in a complex global environment. SAP or other enterprise systems experience is preferred and you will have excellent experience with external audit/public accounting experience preferred. Get the full job description here.
Senior Operations Manager, RevOps, PayPal, Dublin
This newly established Senior Operations Manager, RevOps job will suit a high-performing individual who can drive key cross-sales-segment initiatives originating from PayPal’s executive leadership team, and ensure cross-sales-segment operating rhythm and consistency. You will coordinate the annual planning process including cross-functional stakeholder engagement and alignment, publishing timelines and due dates, and ensuring key deliverables are completed on time. To apply, a Bachelor's degree from a top-tier accredited university, a Master's degree is required. You’ll also need five years’ of related experience in sales ops, RevOps, or consulting at a large consulting firm, tech, or fintech. Apply for this role here.
By Kirstie McDermott
For more great job opportunities in finance, visit the IFSC Job Board today
