5 Categories of Executive Presence and the Sixteen Executive Traits

  1. Business Intelligence Characteristics
    1. (1) Stand Out by Thinking Strategically: Elevate your sights by taking a strategic approach to your work. Your “big picture” perspective will prove you’re a leader, not just a manager.
    2. (2) Take A Whole Company Perspective: Think outside the cubicle and learn the ins and outs of your organization. You’ll discover opportunities to demonstrate your value and advance your career.
    3. (3) Learn The Language Of Finance: Speak the language of leaders. Understanding and communicating in financial terms allows you to show your worth where it matters most – the company’s bottom line.
  2. Risk-Taking Characteristics
    1. (4) Capitalize on Ambiguity and Change: Stand confidently above those who waver or are threatened by uncertainty. Leaders are revealed and careers are made for those able to navigate stormy seas.
    2. (5) EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS... AND THEIRS: Catapult your career by being proactive and looking for opportunities where others aren’t looking. Champion innovative improvements and you’ll speed your ascent to higher levels of responsibility.
    3. (6) Move Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Challenge yourself and stretch your capabilities. Conquer self-doubt and break through self-imposed limitations by seeking out opportunities to move beyond your comfort zone.
  3. Interpersonal Relationship Characteristics
    1. (7) Communicate Clearly: Build confidence, trust and credibility by speaking clearly and persuasively. Your reputation as a top notch communicator will place you in high demand for challenging and rewarding assignments.
    2. (8) Lead, Don’t Just Manage: Move beyond the manager role to influence events and those around you. As a leader, you’ll inspire and motivate others by advocating what’s best for the organization, not just your work group.
    3. (9) Share The Limelight: Enhance your reputation as a confident leader by sharing recognition with others. You’ll boost morale, trust and teamwork, as well as opportunities for your advancement.
  4. Performance Improvement Characteristics
    1. (10) Prioritize Your Projects: Improve your productivity, influence and reputation for high-level achievement when you focus on the things that matter most. Not only will you be a peak performer, you’ll maintain a healthy balance in your life.
    2. (11) Refine Your Thinking Skills: Make the best decisions thanks to your solid thinking skills. You’ll get noticed (and rewarded) for your ability to understand and solve complex tasks, analyze issues and concerns and think back from the desired outcome.
    3. (12) Develop Discernment: Navigate stormy, difficult waters when you steer by your inner compass. Follow the truth that is inside and you’ll make the most ethical decisions for you and your organization.
  5. Self Development Characteristics
    1. (13) Know Thyself: Understand what drives you, who you are and what you can do. You’ll find personal fulfillment and professional success by capitalizing on your strengths and minimizing your mistakes.
    2. (14) Seek Feedback: Encourage feedback to demonstrate your passion for self-development and desire to contribute to your company’s success. You’ll achieve your full potential and help others achieve theirs, as well.
    3. (15) Gain Confidence: Build your confidence by influencing decisions, motivating others and improving your performance. As a confident, self-developed leader, you won’t be intimidated by failures or self-imposed limitations.
    4. (16) Sharpen And Expand Your Skills Through Training: Increase your growth potential by investing in the most important asset you possess – yourself. You’ll be more marketable within your company, as well as the increasingly competitive global marketplace.