Leadership Presence

1. Leadership Presence: Authentic Connection is Key

For us, presence is the ability to connect authentically with the thoughts and feelings of others.

Beyond Commanding Attention. Leadership presence is not merely about commanding attention, but about forging genuine connections with others. It's about understanding their thoughts and feelings, and building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. This connection is what allows leaders to motivate and inspire their teams.

Skills, Not Just Traits. Leadership presence is not an innate quality, but a set of skills that can be developed and improved. These skills include being present in the moment, reaching out to others with empathy, expressing oneself authentically, and possessing a strong sense of self-awareness. By focusing on these skills, anyone can enhance their leadership presence.

The PRES Model. The PRES model breaks down leadership presence into four key elements: Being Present, Reaching Out, Expressiveness, and Self-knowing. These elements are interconnected and build upon each other, creating a holistic approach to leadership development. By mastering each element, leaders can cultivate a powerful and authentic presence.

2. Being Present: The Foundation of Leadership

Being fully present is the first requirement of acting—be there, in the moment, alive, energized.

More Than Physicality. Being present goes beyond simply being physically present; it involves being fully engaged in the moment, focused on the task at hand, and attuned to the people around you. This requires conquering distractions, managing fear, and cultivating a sense of calm and focus.

Overcoming Fear. Fear, in its various forms, is a major obstacle to being present. Whether it's fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown, these anxieties can pull us out of the present moment and into a state of worry and self-doubt. By acknowledging and managing these fears, leaders can cultivate a greater sense of presence.

Practical Techniques. Techniques such as focusing on the physical body, practicing diaphragmatic breathing, and reframing negative thoughts can help leaders stay grounded and present in challenging situations. These practices allow leaders to respond effectively to the demands of the moment, rather than being controlled by their anxieties.

3. Flexibility: Adapting to the Unexpected

There is nothing better than a group of actors being presented with a problem of this kind and having to improvise.

Embracing Change. Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle the unexpected, and improvise solutions on the fly. In today's fast-paced and unpredictable world, flexibility is an essential leadership skill. Leaders must be able to pivot quickly, adjust their strategies, and embrace new opportunities as they arise.

Learning from Improv. Improvisational theater provides valuable lessons in flexibility. Improv actors must be able to think on their feet, build upon each other's ideas, and create coherent stories without a script. These skills are directly transferable to the business world, where leaders are constantly faced with unexpected challenges and the need to adapt.

Rules for Flexibility. Three rules for fostering flexibility: be open to unexpected outcomes ("Yes, and..."), adapt your role to the reality, and be generous toward others. By embracing these principles, leaders can cultivate a more flexible and adaptable mindset, enabling them to thrive in dynamic environments.

4. Reaching Out: Empathy and Connection

It’s the great gift of human beings that we have this power of empathy.

Beyond Authority. Reaching out involves building relationships with others through empathy, active listening, and authentic connection. It's about recognizing the humanity in others, understanding their perspectives, and valuing their contributions. This requires leaders to move beyond their positions of authority and connect with people on a personal level.

The Platinum Rule. The Platinum Rule, "Treat others as they want to be treated," emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and preferences. By tailoring their approach to each person, leaders can build stronger relationships and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Empathy in Action. Empathy is not just a feeling, but a skill that can be developed and practiced. By actively listening to others, seeking to understand their perspectives, and acknowledging their emotions, leaders can build stronger connections and create a more collaborative and productive work environment.

5. Expressiveness: Communicating with Authenticity

All that matters is what you feel when you say the words.

Beyond Presentation Skills. Expressiveness is the ability to communicate feelings and emotions appropriately, using all available means – words, voice, body language – to deliver a congruent message. It's about more than just presentation skills; it's about conveying authenticity and passion in every interaction.

The Power of Congruence. Congruence is key to effective communication. When your words, voice, and body language are aligned, your message is more powerful and believable. Incongruence, on the other hand, can undermine your credibility and create distrust.

Passionate Purpose. Passionate purpose is the driving force behind expressiveness. By connecting with your own values and beliefs, you can infuse your communication with genuine emotion and inspire others to action. This requires identifying your intention, choosing vivid language, and using your voice and body to convey your message with conviction.

6. Self-Knowing: The Core of Inspiring Leadership

The leader never lies to himself.

Beyond Skills. Self-knowing is the ability to accept yourself, to be authentic, and to reflect your values in your decisions and actions. It's the foundation upon which all other leadership skills are built. Without self-awareness, leaders cannot connect authentically with others or inspire them to achieve great things.

The Power of Reflection. Self-reflection is a crucial practice for self-knowing leaders. By taking time to examine their experiences, identify their values, and understand their strengths and weaknesses, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their purpose.

Authenticity. Authenticity is the hallmark of a self-knowing leader. Authentic leaders are genuine, transparent, and true to themselves. They don't try to be someone they're not, and they inspire trust and confidence in others.

7. Values: The Bedrock of Authentic Leadership

What you have to do is find the truth, because that’s the essential element that is the middle of all art.

Guiding Principles. Values are the core beliefs and principles that guide a leader's decisions and actions. They provide a framework for ethical behavior, inspire commitment, and create a sense of shared purpose. Explicit values are essential for leaders to communicate their vision, build trust, and create a strong organizational culture.

From Life Stories. Values are often revealed through personal stories of challenges overcome, lessons learned, and defining moments. By reflecting on these experiences, leaders can identify the values that are most important to them and articulate them in a meaningful way.

Explicit vs. Implicit. While everyone has values, leaders need to make their values explicit. This involves identifying, articulating, and communicating their core beliefs to others. By making their values clear, leaders can create a shared understanding of what's important and inspire others to align their actions accordingly.

8. Actions Speak Louder: Living Your Values

If you are to be trusted about matters of strategy, staffing, marketing, mentoring and so forth, you must first be able to understand what your natural tendencies are.

Beyond Words. It's not enough to simply articulate your values; you must also live them in your daily actions. This requires aligning your behavior with your beliefs, making decisions that reflect your values, and holding yourself accountable for your actions.

Seeking Feedback. To ensure that your actions are aligned with your values, seek feedback from others. Ask your team members, colleagues, and mentors to provide honest and candid feedback on your behavior. Be open to criticism and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Price of Incongruence. Incongruence between words and actions can erode trust and damage your credibility as a leader. When people perceive that you are not living up to your own values, they will question your motives and lose faith in your leadership.

9. The Power of Story: Connecting Through Shared Experience

The more I am known by those I want to follow me and the more I know them, the greater will be our ability to do great things together.

Beyond Facts. Stories are a powerful tool for communication, connection, and inspiration. They engage the emotions, create vivid images, and make abstract concepts more relatable. By sharing personal stories, leaders can reveal their humanity, build trust, and inspire others to action.

Elements of a Compelling Story. A compelling story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a central conflict or challenge that is resolved in a meaningful way. It uses vivid language, sensory details, and emotional resonance to draw the listener in and create a lasting impact.

Storytelling in Action. Storytelling can be used in a variety of leadership contexts, from communicating a vision to motivating a team to resolving a conflict. By weaving stories into their communication, leaders can create a more engaging and memorable experience for their audience.

10. The Journey of Transformation: Continuous Growth

If you’re present, you are alert, fluid, clear, and able to welcome all things.

Life-Long Learning. Leadership is not a destination, but a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Self-knowing leaders are always seeking to learn, improve, and evolve. They embrace challenges, seek feedback, and are open to new ideas and perspectives.

Embracing Vulnerability. Vulnerability is a key component of authentic leadership. By acknowledging their weaknesses, admitting their mistakes, and sharing their fears, leaders can create a more human and relatable image. This vulnerability can foster trust and inspire others to be more open and honest as well.

The Power of Acceptance. Ultimately, the journey of leadership is about accepting yourself, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and living your values with passion and purpose. By cultivating self-awareness, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous growth, you can become an inspiring leader who makes a positive impact on the world.

Last updated: February 27, 2025