Presence
I often hear people talk about “presence” like there is something magical about people who have “presence.” The fact is that we all have presence, because at its core, presence is how we show up for ourselves and for others.
Presence is the ability to command attention, connect authentically with others, and project confidence and clarity. For leaders, it’s more than charisma—presence is about being fully engaged, showing empathy, and inspiring trust in every interaction. Amy Cuddy, in her work on Presence, highlights it as being "your boldest self in your most challenging situations."
Why is Presence Important for Leaders?
Based on the definition above, it’s easy to see why leaders need presence. Let’s break that apart a bit more into how it impacts your leadership daily.
Leaders with strong presence exude authenticity and integrity, making it easier for others to trust and follow them, building trust and credibility.
Presence allows leaders to deliver messages with clarity, conviction, and emotional resonance, making their words impactful, which improves communication for yourself and others.
Whether in negotiations, team meetings, or public speaking, presence amplifies a leader’s ability to inspire action and foster commitment, enhancing your influence.
Presence aligns closely with self-awareness and empathy, key components of emotional intelligence that strengthen relationships.
How Leaders Can Improve Presence
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Reflect on your values, strengths, and growth areas to develop a consistent and authentic leadership style.
Practice: Keep a journal or use tools like the Johari Window to understand how you’re perceived.
Practice Mindfulness and Active Listening: Being fully present in conversations shows respect and creates stronger connections.
Practice: Use techniques like grounding exercises or mindful breathing before high-pressure interactions.
Develop Nonverbal Communication: Your body language, eye contact, and tone of voice significantly influence how others perceive your presence.
Practice: Record yourself in mock presentations or meetings to observe and refine these elements.
Adapt Communication to the Audience: Tailor your message to resonate with the needs and emotions of the group you’re addressing.
Practice: Seek feedback on how effectively your message is landing with diverse audiences.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Presence grows through consistent effort and learning.
Practice: Attend workshops, work with a coach, or observe leaders you admire for their presence.
Reflection Questions for Leaders
How do I currently show up in conversations, meetings, and high-stakes moments?
What feedback have I received about my presence, and how have I acted on it?
How can I use body language and tone of voice to communicate more effectively?
When have I felt most connected to others as a leader? What contributed to that connection?
What steps can I take this week to practice being more present in my leadership interactions?
By intentionally developing your presence, you can deepen connections, foster trust, and lead with authenticity. As Cuddy reminds us, “Tiny tweaks can lead to big changes.” Start with small, consistent efforts to improve how you show up, and watch your leadership impact grow.