WHAT quality do you admire most about your boss? Most of us will probably need more than a minute (or week) to come up with some strong positive points about our immediate supervisor that truly impresses us. The rest of have the balance of the year, twiddling our thumbs while we to come up with qualities our managers and executive have that leave a lasting impression on us.

One of the stand out qualities that employees talk about is executive presence that some bosses have and how they would like to get some of that good stuff. Don’t for one minute think that executive presence is only about how the person looks, especially when they are decked out in a properly fitting suit of clothes or how they sound. Sadly, for many that is just the window dressing that hides myriad sins. Unfortunately for us

the on lookers, the outward appearance is just a rouse to throw us off and make us think that they are ‘somebody’.

Then, don’t get it twisted, executive presence is not only about how they speak nor is it about their ability to deliver — particularly if the words they string together are not altogether faithful to the truth. Someone famous once said that ‘light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.’ Don’t act as if you have never met them in your work-life. You and I know them: they have the shiniest shoes this side of Milan’s runway and a tongue so oily you wonder if they had something to do with the BP oil spill in the Gulf earlier this year. They are form without substance; because when you dig a little deeper and ask

them one or two superficial questions, you realise that there is really nothing there. They do not know what they are talking about and are only mildly acquainted with the industry within which they work and are heftily paid.

So, what is this executive presence? Karen Freidman says that executive presence “is how you use your personal style to empower and connect with others.” Executive presence, she said in an article “is about consistent long-lasting impressions created over time by the way

someone continually expresses themselves and engages with others. She noted that in her work people who exude executive presence seem to understand their ability to impact or influence others is not based on job title. “They know what they say will be judged by how they say it.” Freidman offers several tips to those of us who would want to reach that great nirvana.

She suggests that if you want to get executive presence you should, “Be a regular contributor at the table. Don’t wait for others to ask questions to provide valuable input. Prepare 3 to 4 points you want to deliver in advance of

a meeting or important conversation.” Well, I have seen this in action where said executive wants to make his voice heard and so tries to be a regular contributor to the conversation. Unfortunately, this is done without proper preparation for the meeting. If you choose to take this route then much is required of you. It means being aware of what the conversation is about which might involve some reading and wee bit of research. Not many people at the top of the food chain always find time for this, deferring it to their underlings. Nevertheless it is a good idea to beef up on industry trends and such delights before throwing your foot in your mouth.

Freidman also suggests that you delegate. She points out though that there is a difference between delegating and doing. “It’s always important to help people, but that doesn’t mean doing their work for them. Instead of continually offering to “put something together for you” or “give it to me and I’ll see what I can do”, it’s important to take charge. Offer to help, but don’t be timid to suggest: “why don’t you put it together and then I’ll take a look at it”. I like this tip. This is because left up to their own devices some of our colleagues would never move a muscle, while on the other side of the coin there are others who spend all of their work life micro-managing and over working themselves refusing to let go off the smallest task. You and I know them. Their vacation leave pile up until it looks like maternity leave so when they eventually take up their leave you wonder how the baby is doing.

Her last tip encourages those who want to have executive presence to ‘have a heart’. Says she, “Being firm and definite doesn’t mean you have to be rude or nasty. If you aren’t true to yourself, people will likely see right through you. Always be

polite and use tact when questioning or challenging the opinions of others. It will help you foster conversation and put people at ease so you can create an atmosphere of trust and open dialogue. “I love this tip. It works as an excellent rule for living. Do you have what it takes to have executive presence?

Yvonne Grinam-Nicholson, (MBA, ABC) is a Business Communications Consultant with ROCommunications Jamaica, specialising in business communications and financial publications. She can be contacted at: yvonne@rocommunications.com. Visit her website at www.rocommunications.com and post your comments.