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profitable. Do your homework and learn Leaders with presence demonstrate

more about these fundamentals, and then
do not hesitate to express your viewpoint. composure and quiet confidence
The leadership readiness of midlevel
willingness to speak up in meetings. Of when the stakes are high.
executives is measured in part by their
course, there are times when it is better to
convey certain points in one-on-one
meetings rather than in a group meeting,
so you need to be strategic about when
you speak up in addition to what you say. we do provide the advice and options to warmth. Leaders with presence are
run the business. When faced with a empathetic to others’ situations. They
Learn to speak in an ‘influential’ voice difficult ask from your business show humility, grace, and kindness
What does that mean? counterparts, consider the various ways to when necessary.
y Whether writing or speaking, keep get to “yes”. Once they know you will do
things simple, succinct, and to the your best to find a way forward, they will What is digital executive presence?
point. approach you and be more amenable to With the digital workplace here to stay, it
y Use short, crisp sentences when listen to you, even if your ultimate answer has become essential to project digital
speaking. Be clear and concise. Avoid is “no”. executive presence. That means:
using filler words (easier said than Practise to maintain poise under y If business casual attire is acceptable
done, but doable with practice and an pressure. In a high-pressure situation, in your office, do not go more
accountability partner). your team will be looking to you for casual just because you are working
y Use voice modulation (volume, emotional cues. When you’re feeling virtually.
pacing, pitch, inflection, pausing, pressured, it is easy to catastrophise your y Adequate lighting and a good
tone). For example, to emphasise situation and imagine every possible microphone will ensure that your
something, change your tone; to draw horrible outcome that could possibly presence registers online.
attention, use a softer tone to draw come from a failure right now. Tell y Unless it is a late night or an
people in. yourself there are solutions for every odd-hour call, turning your camera
y Be a good listener. problem and begin the process of thinking off (because you didn’t take the time
of what those could be, or even better, take to dress properly) is not the sign of a
Commit to what you communicate and a minute and jot down some thoughts. great leader.
be trustworthy Identify whose help you can use, and y Amplify your leadership presence
Stand up, speak up, follow up. Even if consult with them as needed. It’s very with a powerful LinkedIn profile and
others don’t agree with your views, they effective to take a few moments and just use of online tools such as screen
expect to see consistency between what breathe slowly and deeply. Oxygen helps sharing, and video and presentation
you say and what you do. People quickly the brain process emotion. Leaders with software.
see through inconsistent leaders who presence demonstrate composure and Executive presence is an essential
change to benefit their narrow self- quiet confidence when the stakes are ingredient for success as a leader and
interests and trample on others on their high. needed to bag the job, win a promotion,
way to the top. secure the resources needed, close a deal,
Dress for success or inspire change. Building it is not a
Display a sense of light-heartedness Research shows that visual appearance one-time exercise nor does it happen
and some spontaneity makes the first impression, which holds a overnight. It takes concerted effort and
Allow yourself to laugh at things, and at lot of weight. Dressing for success does practice sustained over time, along with a
yourself, and stay open to witticisms from not always call for a suit, but dress willingness to engage in self-reflection
others. Light-heartedness is the language yourself according to your role, the and self-improvement. ■
of leadership and confidence. organisation’s culture, and the position
and reputation you aspire to.
Build a strong network and your
expert power by helping people Use powerful body language
It’s not enough to be good at your job; Leadership presence is conveyed by two
make sure other people know it. One way sets of nonverbal signals: Raju Venkataraman, FCMA, CGMA,
of showing you are capable is to y Power posture, which means you is a negotiation skills trainer and
proactively help a colleague with an issue display a powerful presence by credentialed leadership and career
they’re struggling with. Don’t forget to standing or sitting tall with head coach (PCC) based in Singapore,
follow up and stay in touch. straight and shoulders back. Own serving clients worldwide.
your space.
Project flexibility and capability y Empathy cues such as a smile, To comment on this article or to
suggest an idea for another article,
As the CFO, I would remind my finance positive eye contact, and open palm email fm-magazine@aicpa-cima.com.
team that we do not run the business, but gestures convey likeability and

FM-MAGAZINE.COM August 2022 I FM MAGAZINE I 31