Communication is a superpower. And sheesh, we really need more focus on effective communication in a world where texting, emailing, and voice messages dominate our human interactions. How do we communicate our beliefs, vision and strategy into messages that truly influence others?
This month’s WERK Your Brand is all about the art of executive communication. I’ll take you through my favorite (tried-and-tested) strategies so that your voice is not going in one ear and out the other but understood and acted upon.
Are you ready to finally learn how to use your words to build your personal brand, influence others, and lead with genuine impact?
Let’s rock’n roll then 😉
Executive Communication Starts with Your Presence
Remember those days when executive presence was all about polished appearances and commanding speeches? Well, that old model’s gone out the window. Today’s leaders need something more – they need to be inclusive, authentic, and genuinely connected.
Think of it like this: We’ve moved from the era of the “commanding CEO” to the era of the “collaborative leader.” It’s not just about being the loudest voice in the room anymore; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. According to Harvard Business Review’s Article “The New Rules of Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett , “Confidence and decisiveness have not gone out of style from 2012 research to 2022; those are still the most-sought-after traits contributing to gravitas, which accounts for the lion’s share of executive presence. However, inclusiveness, in all its manifestations—respecting others, listening to learn, telegraphing authenticity—has shot onto the list of the most-valued components of all three dimensions of EP. That change reflects the new weight of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business strategy.”
In my experience, leading with authenticity is key. You can’t just pretend to be inclusive; you need to truly embody it. That means hiring diverse teams, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, and genuinely listening to understand different perspectives.
And let’s not forget about the digital age! We’re no longer limited to boardrooms and conference calls. We’re in a world of virtual meetings and events and online communities. Mastering these platforms, creating engaging content, and building a strong online presence is absolutely essential for any leader today.
Big Takeaways About Your Executive Presence:
💜 Confidence is Key: Know your strengths and command attention through thoughtful communication. When you don’t know something, don’t pretend to and ask for insights from the experts.
💜 Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Show your true self and let your values shine through.
💜 Master the digital world: Become proficient in online platforms and learn to communicate effectively in a virtual environment.
💜 It’s a journey, not a destination: Building authentic leadership presence takes time and effort. Embrace self-reflection and continue to grow.
Remember, leadership isn’t about clinging to old rules. It’s about adapting, evolving, and leading with empathy and understanding. By embracing the new rules of executive presence, we can create a future where leadership is truly impactful, inclusive, and authentic.
Leading with Clarity: Communicating with Purpose
Beyond our presence, great leaders are those that can communicate with clarity and purpose to achieve big goals. To ensure we reach our desired goals through our teams, we must be clear on our expectations. Here are some ways to lead with clarity and achieve great results:
Focus on the “Why”
Before you think about the “what,” establish the “why.” Why is your message important? What impact will it have? Context is key to me. Some tips to give enough context, so others understand the why behind your ask:
📌 Clearly articulate the business goal and how we’re driving towards an outcome together
📌 Share background information on the audience you’re going after
📌 Share intel on from the clients or customers you’re working with
📌 Use data, customer evidence, and research to support your ask and goals
Keep it Concise
Let’s be real: no one likes scrolling through never-ending screens of text. Get to the point quickly and clearly. Clear language is essential to forming connections with your team, stakeholders, and colleagues.
If you’re communicating through email, think about using bullet points and headlines to capture action items and key notes. If you’re leading a meeting, be clear from the start on the agenda and outcomes so that you make progress. And if you’re speaking to a group, slow down. Take pauses and make sure everyone is staying on track with what you’re delivering. Ask questions and take a pulse from your audience.
Use Stories to Relate to Others
Stories connect. Gartner’s research backs this up, highlighting how storytelling makes messages engaging and memorable. How? Because it builds an emotional connection between you and your audience (both on and offline) and makes you appear more HUMAN, less ROBOTIC. I often share stories from my journey juggling career life and motherhood, like when baby Ava decided to make her grand entrance right when we kicked off a huge project with a client. Oops. It wasn’t just a story; it was a connection with my team, showing them the human side of leadership. It is also a way to say, “YES, I AM A BADASS LADYBOSS,” “BUT I’m also A PERSON WITH A REAL LIFE OUTSIDE THE INTERNET.”
Communicating Your Executive Presence Online through Thought Leadership Content
As you grow in your career, you’ll likely have a grow a large network inside and outside your workplace. Many of these relationships will be online and continued through social posting and LinkedIn connections. So how will you communicate effectively online to those you know or maybe don’t know?
Be Unapologetically You
I know I always say this, but if there’s only ONE thing you take away from this newsletter, it’s this:
Authenticity is the cornerstone of strong leadership.
It’s what differentiates you from the crowd and builds genuine connections. I remember early in my career, trying to mold myself into what I thought a leader should be and holding back on who I was—until I realized that being ME was my true strength.
When we work for someone else, we must always be mindful of what we say because we’re representing that company. So, I want you to be YOU. Not just the professional version of you while ensuring you stay within the company’s guardrails.
And if the company’s guardrails are not working for you, and you feel like you can’t be your truest self, then maybe it just isn’t the right fit for you. Once I left corporate and became an entrepreneur, I felt more comfortable letting my true colors shine. I could finally BE me. BOLD. WITTY. DIRECT.
And it was so refreshing to see my fast-growing audience digging my authentic vibes. Sharing honest stories from my life, like the ups and downs of managing a blended modern household with Josh, Skylar, Jayden, and baby Ava, has allowed me to connect with my team and clients on a deeper level. Your authenticity builds trust and encourages others to be open and authentic in return.
Take Charge of Your Voice
Developing a distinct communication style is key. It sets you apart and makes your message resonate with YOUR audience. When I found my voice—bold and direct—I saw a significant increase in engagement. It’s much like balancing different parenting styles with Josh; it’s about finding what works for you and owning it. Whether you’re known for your humor, passion, or straightforwardness, let it shine through. Your voice is a powerful tool—welcome it and let it spread your message loud and clear.
Think Beyond the “What”
Go beyond simply conveying information. Use your platform to inspire and empower others. Why is sharing your vision and values important? I often draw parallels between my leadership style and parenting, instilling a strong sense of purpose in my team, much like I do with Skylar and Jayden. It’s about showing your commitment and leading by example. This approach doesn’t just amp up your presence; it motivates your team to fall in love with your vision and work towards common goals.
Fire Up Your Team by Sharing YOUR Voice
Your team is your biggest resource, and their voices deserve to be heard. Creating a culture of open communication is incredibly important for growth and innovation. If you don’t build open communication into your team or company culture, you very likely end up with a team of disgruntled employees and a sky-high staff turnover (no surprise there).
StandOut Authority Team minus 2 of our team members based in the Philippines and Japan.
Be Receptive to Feedback
Creating safe spaces for feedback is incredibly important. Being open to feedback makes your team feel that you genuinely care about what they have to say–expressing concern over a current project, opening up about a personal dilemma, or hyping them up with confidence to take on more high-level tasks. When we encourage feedback, we create a culture of belonging and value, making your team more invested in the organization’s success. As a leader, actively listen and act on the insights your team provides—it’s a win-win for EVERYONE involved.
Delegate Responsibilities and Empower Your Team
Getting your team to take ownership is transformative. According to Forbes, “outsourcing business tasks can be a great way for leaders to get back to working on high-level tasks, but delegation is a process that must be handled with care.”
Effective delegation builds confidence and leadership. In my role, delegating tasks has allowed me to focus on strategic goals while nurturing my team’s growth. Just as Josh and I share responsibilities at home, this approach frees up time I used to spend doing admin tasks and creates a sense of accountability. It’s about trusting your team and guiding them to succeed, creating a collaborative environment where everyone thrives.
Recognize and Reward Your Team
Communicating and acknowledging contributions is key to encouraging continuous engagement. Celebrating wins—whether it’s personal or a client win—motivates everyone to keep striving for excellence. It can be as simple as a personal Teams message recognizing their effort with a celebration emoji or sending them a coffee gift card after a team meeting. Recognition creates a positive work environment, reinforcing that every effort is valued. It also sets a precedent for how team members should act toward each other. It’s about building a culture where achievements are celebrated and contributions are recognized, driving everyone towards shared success.
Join Our 3-Day Authority Builder’s Challenge
A final word from me: Mastering executive communication is a journey. You already know that it requires learning, self-reflection, and a commitment to excellence. But if embracing clarity, authenticity, and empowerment sounds a little overwhelming to you and you don’t know where to start, I have just the thing so you can FINALLY let your leadership flag fly and become a true mascot of authority.
Is that you? Then, I invite you to our exclusive StandOut Authority 3-Day Challenge. This is your FAST and EFFECTIVE way to figure out what you stand for and how to present yourself online. Click here to learn more.
This is your FAST and EFFECTIVE way to figure out what you stand for and how to present yourself online.