Success in innovation requires more than great ideas, that amazing product, the unique service.  Innovators need support from others to make their innovations a reality. How does the innovation leader persuade and influence others to support his/her innovations?  Executive presence plays a key role. This is Part Two of the two-part series that will help you create a strong executive presence.

The Innovator and Executive Presence

Ideas without execution are a hobby.  Innovators are not in the hobby business.  To execute on those ideas, innovators need funding and support.  People are willing to listen and take a chance on the innovation leader with strong executive presence.  For some, executive presence comes naturally. Others have to work at it. Hence, this two-part series, a first for Killer Innovations.  It’s within everyone’s reach to create a strong executive presence.  Part One covered three traits and their associated skills: maintaining composure, making connections, and charisma.  Let’s explore more traits that convey executive presence.

Trait Four: Confidence

An important aspect of executive presence is confidence.  Confidence isn’t only about what’s said. Non-verbal cues reveal confidence or a lack of it.  Practice body hacks that display confidence.

Stand straight, head up, face and eyes forward.

Smile.

Don’t cross arms.

Don’t cross legs.

Have a strong, firm handshake.

Plant feet a shoulder width apart.  Don’t sway.

Make good eye contact.

Lower voice pitch.

Nonverbal cues speak volumes about a person.  Interested, engaged, and strong. Or indecisive, weak, and nervous.  Not naturally confident? These hacks will help to exude an aura of confidence and create a strong executive presence.

Trait Five: Credibility

A crucial trait of executive presence is credibility.  Building and maintaining credibility is a multi-faceted effort.  Faking it won’t make it. Sooner or later, people will find out and executive presence dissolves.   Credibility takes a long time and hard work to establish, but it’s easy to lose. Never risk your credibility.  

Steps to building credibility:

Establish trust

If people trust you, they will do business with you.

Exhibit competency

Become an expert in your field.

If you have the expertise, let others know without bragging.

Be consistent

Your actions and the messages you send out should align with who you are and what you do.

Be authentic

Don’t fake it till you make it.

Base your business or leadership on a solid foundation.  This will provide lasting stability no matter what changes may be ahead.

Exhibit sincerity

Don’t say everything you think, but mean everything you say.

It takes commitment, dedication, always being straightforward.

Respect everyone

No matter who or what position they hold, respect people.

Respect because everyone deserves it.

Be accountable

Own up to mistakes and correct them.

Be honest

Develop a reputation for honesty and candor.

Honesty with respect.

Trait Six: Clear, Concise Communication

Communication has a huge effect on executive presence.  Yet, it can be one of the biggest downfalls. To create a strong executive presence,