A Nova Guide to Executive Presence: Openness
One of the biggest barriers facing women leaders today is a perceived lack of “executive presence.” This phrase is often used – and often misunderstood, even by the people using it! Intelligent, capable and talented women are being held back in their careers because they don’t meet an ambiguous standard for what an executive should look like. Over the course of our nine week executive presence series, Kathleen, Lisa and Priscilla will be sharing nine traits that every woman can develop to improve her executive presence and bring value to the organization.
When you picture the archetypical “executive” in your head, you don’t typically associate that persona with openness. Culturally, we’re conditioned to think of executives as tough, no-nonsense, almost authoritarian leaders. However, there are many more executives out there in there in the world than there are spots on reality TV shows, which probably has something to do with this misperception.
In the real world, the most effective and inspiring leaders and executives are incredibly emotionally intelligent and open. As you develop your own executive presence, it’s absolutely vital that you cultivate openness in several different ways.
Be open about your personal goals
Do you want to be a team lead or member of the c-suite one day? Be open about those ambitions! Seek out mentors who can help you get there and build a team of supporters who can encourage you during the tough times. Find people who will be direct with you.
Be open to feedback
When we say “be open to feedback” it doesn’t mean accept it as a part of an annual review - we mean openly solicit feedback from multiple stakeholders. People should be able to offer suggestions and changes with the confidence that you won’t be defensive or resentful, and know that you are a trustworthy confidante who is open to new ideas.
Be open to change
You may think that your singular strategy and vision is what’s going to shoot your organization to the top of the Fortune 500, but wise leaders know how to incorporate other people’s ideas into their vision. This is one of the most important factors in diversity and inclusion, and why it’s so valuable. You never know where a great idea will come from, so you always want to be ready to hear one.
Be open about challenges
You’re not perfect - and that’s not a surprise. If you’re up against a particularly difficult task, let your team know. Hopefully they’ll be able to help you find a solution, or, at the very least, provide some moral support. Your vulnerability will go a long way in building trust and team alignment.
Take a moment to reflect on the leaders and executives in your own life. Odds are that you respond to them because they both make you feel valued and allow you to bring value. That should be your goal for every interaction and is what openness is all about.
