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.

So much has been written about the concept of Inspirational Leadership. We’re all looking to uncover the key to untapped potential in our teams. To motivate our teams to do more, and achieve more. To believe in something bigger than the task. Let's talk about HOW.

Thoughtfulness, in executive presence terms, means having thought something through before you respond. This is trickier than it sounds, because to think something through and provide a thoughtful response to someone, you have to listen to what they are really asking for.

It’s almost impossible to build a connection with someone else if you aren’t really listening to what they have to say. Active listening, when you are engaged and attentive, is the number one thing you can do to build relationships and improve your personal and work life. When you really hear what the other person is saying, you can think through and give yourself time to respond.