The Quiet Force: Powerful Executive Presence for Introverts

You have recently been promoted to a senior role where it has been suggested that you develop your
executive presence.

You flinch at the thought of being in the spotlight, presenting at meetings and socialising with
stakeholders

Moreover, an outgoing talkative extroverted behaviour feels uneasy to you for it is not who you are.
You are an introvert.

However, introverts possess significant qualities of executive presence, of listening and quiet thinking,
sensitivity, empathy and deeper analysis, for executive presence is not about making noise, inviting
self-promotion or being dominant. It is to inspire, earn trust, and meet challenges with calm.

Introverts can well leverage their innate strengths to build a personal brand, a powerful presence that is centred and aware, alert and credible. The quiet appeal has power over a loud manner, in a world filled with constant speaking and hasty interactions, where purposeful connection and meaningful reflection is watered-down.

Executive presence is paramount to having a senior role with the responsibility of leading teams successfully, A reserved demeanour, one that is isolated and retiring may be mistaken for aloofness, indifference or even arrogance.

First-rate version

Always be the first-rate version of yourself, not the second-rate version of anyone else: July Garland

Read about a journey from: From social timidity to confident expression

Emerge an authentic self by recognising and leveraging your strengths. Identity and refine the necessary skills, establishing your unique style of leadership. As introverts, we tend to think we are flawed in some way and fail to seize our personal significance.

Own who you are with pride as you comprehend and appreciate the force and influence of quiet dynamism. Enhance your existing personality to shine through so that you inspire, connect and deliver.

Quietness and Confidence

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength: Isaiah 30:15

The best way to inspire confidence in others is by listening, encouraging and appreciating them. Self-confidence that is broadcasted is noise whereas quiet confidence is compelling and noteworthy. No doubt, self-assurance is key to high performance and effective decision-making so address any concerns for lack of self-belief and overcome any imposter syndrome that might be at play.

Team Strength

I think our strength is this strong relationship we have all together: Guy Forget

Introverts are able to build strong meaningful connections through their tendency to listen and empathise.

They are however inclined to hold themselves back from social interactions seeing themselves as shy and retiring, so miss the opportunity of building rapport through their innate gifts of sensitivity and depth. Overcome any rigid and limiting thoughts of what social interaction entails, and simply work with your heart, with respect and honesty.

Effective communication

Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know: Jim Rohn

You may find it helpful: The Surprising Role of Nonverbal Communication in Executive Presence

The quiet voice in the room speaks the loudest. One who constantly talks, interjects and speaks over others invites unfavourable attention than one who thoughtfully and respectfully contributes in a few yet powerful words.

Speaking up in a timely manner and with relevance gets everyone to sit up and listen. The listening skills that introverts possess allows them to respond on point, ask crucial questions and share valuable information in their own style.

Fewer words, brevity, and succinctness create an impact. It is important to be aware of those who interrupt you and talk over you. Practice speaking up in your own manner so that you state your views assertively. This is easier when you have subject matter expertise and conviction in your views.

Strong convictions

Strong convictions precede great actions: James Freeman Clarke

As you embrace your authentic self, you become further aware of what you stand for and believe in. You are encouraged to live up to the core values you recognize that matter to you most, evoking passion and purpose. This energy shows up in your carriage, voice and interactions. You make bold decisions, take risks and overcome challenges for you believe. You demonstrate executive presence.

Recommended read: How Exactly Confidence and Charisma Improves When You Work on Your Executive Presence

Composure

Never lose your composure. It helps you look further and farther: Hemsri

Your introverted nature holds you back from impulsive reacting. You are more likely to pause, reflect, gather your thoughts and methodically respond. This is an asset in handling crisis and conflict situations constructively.

And as you exercise composure, you demonstrate poise. You are seen as reliable for you don’t erratically fly off the handle. Rather you are depended on to handle any adversity with calm and thoughtfulness, a big factor in exuding executive presence.

More listening than talking

Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking: Bernard Baruch

You possess great listening skills, and you can work to deepen this, elevating the skill to hear more than the words that are spoken. You develop the ability to gauge more than what might be obvious, and read the room effectively.

With all the talking that there is today, everyone is looking to be truly heard. Being a master listener allows you to see more, assess moods, concerns and trepidations, addressing issues far more effectively.

A must read: 11 Habits of Effective Leaders Who Master Executive Presence Like a Pro

Body Language

Body language is more powerful than words: Ricky Gervais

Looking down on introverts or seeing it as a negative way of being evokes in us a feeling of lack or being inadequate. This influences our body language where we are inclined to slouch or display nervous gestures. Feel good about what you are, who you are, and cultivate an easy upright bearing.

Holding shoulders back and consciously building smooth gestures not only positively impacts our own state of mind, but conveys confidence and self-belief. A genuine smile will get you back a smile, and proper breathing will calm any nervous and steady your voice.

Self-Reflection

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted – it is an intimate date with yourself: Paul TP Wong

Reflection comes often to an introvert, helping build self-awareness and emotional intelligence which are key components of executive presence. Consideration and contemplation open up the intuitive channel, generating cognizance and new ideas.

You think before you speak, gathering insights and forming them into well thought-out views which are then expertly shared. The sagacious quality of inward and outward observation prompts you to read the audience, and what may be most advisable at the time.

 

Excuses and results

Victims make excuses, leaders deliver results: Robin Sharma

The self-examining and self-contained behaviour promotes focus and clarity that help produce results and deliver outcomes. The inner-directed awareness prompts firm decision-making, negating confusion and distraction. You think things through, to act on them with determination and certainty.

Explore: 7 Key Elements of Executive Presence for Leaders What Sets You Apart

Inspiring Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader: John Quincy Adams

Your quiet self-assurance, grace in crisis, and sensitivity toward others is what inspires your teams. Leading by example, you project a powerful stimulus that motivates, connects, and encourages. This is the influence you then are. Effective leadership does not come from showmanship, but from quiet yet potent visibility. And that belongs to all of us who call ourselves introverts