Start With This to Strengthen Your Leadership Presence
Leadership Presence
Amy Cuddy defines presence as, “the state of being attuned to and able to comfortably express our true thoughts, feelings, values, and potential (p. 24). My definition of leadership presence is acting with courageous authenticity in all life domains while practicing effective leadership behaviors in order to lead others through uncertainty and change. Courageous authenticity is embracing your unique purpose and power and allowing others to see and hear the “real” you. Being authentic requires a willingness to be vulnerable and that is the most courageous thing any of us can do.
Importance of Developing a Voice
Why is developing a voice key to strengthening leaadership presence? Let’s revisit Cuddy’s and my definitions. Cuddy states that presence is “comfortably expressing our true thoughts, feelings, values, and potential.” I talk about embracing your purpose, which includes your values and priorities. Developing a voice is the foundation of leadership presence. Without knowing your best self and having the willingness to express and act on it, leadership presence is not fully possible. Whenever I give a presentation on leadership presence, I ask the participants for examples of public figures who they think have leadership presence. Michelle Obama is often identified.
Characteristics of a leader with a voice
Ms. Obama is recognized as a leader who very clearly and confidently expresses her true thoughts, feelings, values and potential. Most of us could quickly name several things Ms. Obama believes in: equal rights, women’s empowerment, compassion, racial justice and opportunity for all. She has been willing to use her voice in the face of criticism and judgment. Her work has been in the service of others; particulary Black young women. Lastly, she has expressed her voice while practicing effective leadership behaviors such as inspiring a shared vision, empowering others, celebrating success and challenging the status quo.
Developing Your Voice
The first step to strengthening your leadership presence is developing your voice. Ask yourself the following series of questions. Take your time answering them. You may want to start a “voice” journal as a practice of daily reflection.
How would you define or describe your voice?
How would others define or describe your voice?
For what do you most want to be known?
What has challenged you from developing your voice?
What would be the biggest benefits for you developing your voice?
What would be the biggest risks?
What step could you take today to help you develop and act on your voice?
Reference:
Cuddy, A. (2015). Presence: Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges. New York, New York: Little, Brown and Company