Recently, we received some feedback from a reader who, after saying some really nice things about the site (thank you, Jason), ended his message with the following question:
- “What can I read, listen to, or watch that can help me learn the skills necessary to exude confidence and a sense of presence? Thanks, Jason H.”
The question is excellent, particularly because the reader understands that most anything we lack can be acquired.
It’s surprising how many men look upon life as a series of lotteries that you either win, or don’t. Far too many individuals with incredible hidden gifts limit themselves over one or two ‘missing ingredients’ that have not yet magically appeared in their lives. (Bravo to you, Jason, for knowing better.)
“We,” also includes — you.
The second thing that’s great about Jason’s question is that he’s clearly prepared to take action. He’s ready to “read, listen to, or watch” what he needs to, then follow through with solid effort to improve.
I’ll bet that if you weren’t similar to Jason in this regard, you wouldn’t be reading this right now — so, a Bravo is in order for you, too.
Trading Ideas
One of the things we’re about here at WhataManKnows.com is, not so much providing advice, but, trading ideas — revealing concepts that we’ve found to be most useful in our own lives (…when I say “we,” I include the consortium of well-placed, highly-experienced men I consult with on these issues, hailing from a variety of business disciplines and industries).
“We,” also includes — you. Some of the best ideas communicated here come from readers like you (often, we simply distill it, clarify it and pass it along). So if you have any valuable thoughts you don’t mind sharing — send us some feedback, so we can all learn from each other. Deal?
Alright, let’s get after it!
Unlocking Your Natural Self-Confidence in Business Settings
“Executive Presence” — an unmistakable aura of respect and trustworthiness that people can feel, almost immediately upon meeting you.
Possessing an executive presence doesn’t mean you’re never nervous. It doesn’t mean you won’t make the occasional mistake. It simply refers to the distinct and immediate impression people get that you are a man to be listened to; followed; trusted.
…you don’t have to be a literal “executive” to exude executive presence.
If you’re a man who already has no problem commanding the respect of people who get to know you over time, an executive presence will take you even further — because it cuts the time needed for new acquaintances to form the proper impression of you.
The word executive stems from the Latin word effectus, literally translated, “doing,” “execution,” “performance,” “effect,” or, “result.” Clearly, the sense of an executive is that of an “effective” person — a performer. Someone who gets “results.”
But, something interesting happens when you add the word “presence.” It comes from the word praesentio, literally, “to feel beforehand.”
So, the core idea is that people should be able to “feel beforehand” — before even getting to know you — that you are a powerful man.
Jason, our reader above, happens to already be a very powerful man — but, you don’t have to be a literal “executive” to exude executive presence. It’s something that every man can (and should) work to acquire, then refine.
PI + II = EP²
Executive Presence (EP) boils down to two factors:
- your Physical Impact (PI)
- your Intellectual Impact (II)
PI
To have maximum physical impact you need to be:
- energetic
- physically fit
- well-dressed
- well-groomed
Of the two factors, PI is probably ignored most often. As busy professionals, it can sometimes be easy for us to brush off how we look as a non-essential, superficial concern. But, thoughtful management of your image is extremely important.
Like it or not, people will always find it tough to get behind a tired, overweight, out of shape and sloppy guy in mediocre clothing. Granted, if you’re on this site, you probably have most of these elements in order. But it’s the man with all of these cylinders firing that sets himself apart from the crowd, and renders himself tough to resist as a leader.
Your PI is exceedingly powerful — because everything about it happens before you ever open your mouth.
To totally control your physical impact, I would highly recommend our own 10 Things Every Man Should Do, Every Day download. This guide for the successful man completely (and quickly) covers every single aspect of your PI — and it’s free (at the moment).
In Part 2, we dive into the first of 5 crucial elements that determine your Intellectual Impact upon people you’ve just met. Go to Part 2, here.
About the Author: ST is Editor of WhataManKnows. Get more from ST on Twitter.
