Executive Presence starts with Common Courtesy

Executive Presence starts with Common Courtesy

“Executive Presence” – what do those words conjure? Designer suits? Swiss watches? Tumi luggage? Private aircraft? Men and women who are confident, polished and accomplished?

I had an opportunity to explore this a few years ago in a wonderful workshop facilitated by two of the most delightful ladies you could ever hope to meet – Diane Craig and Christine Felgueiras of Corporate Class –www.corporateclassinc.com. We covered the topics you would expect – how to dine, how to network, and corporate etiquette. Yet as I watched these two accomplished ladies actually epitomize “executive presence” AND being warm, loving, gracious (and laughing), I realized that “executive presence” is about being present in whatever relationships your status as an executive brings – be it with CEOs, clerks or janitors. Reading between the lines of the day’s official agenda, here’s what I gleaned at a deeper level from Diane and Christine:

1. Integrity and authenticity – be true to yourself, who you are deep inside and what you stand for;
2. Graciousness – time and again we were reminded that we do not want to embarrass those with whom we interact, and we want to help others feel good;
3. Kindness – be attentive to detail and the little things that make life easier and happier for those with whom you interact;
4. Don’t take yourself seriously – you WILL make mistakes and faux pas – so what? Everyone does! Laugh and apologise.

Executive presence means stepping out of our ego, and treating others as we would like to be treated i.e. The Golden Rule.

Yet more and more as I observe and hear reports about how people are relating to each other in the workplace, I realise that common courtesy is also a sadly absent aspect of Executive Presence. For example, in a series of workshops I facilitated a few months ago, I was horrified by reports of executives striding into office every morning and passing employees without uttering a word or even acknowledging their presence with a nod. When the executives were confronted about this behaviour, their response was along the lines of “I am busy. I don’t have time to say good morning.” Needless to say, the level of employee satisfaction in that organization is dismal. Many of these same executives have children and I am sure would never countenance such behaviour from their little ones. Yet they do it over and over at work, and see no problem with it.

Simple things that we learned even before we went to kindergarten, are invaluable in creating and sustaining healthy relationships. Basic courtesy, delivered from the heart, lets people know that you are aware of their presence and that you respect them. Without this foundation of courtesy it is difficult to have real, honest, powerful and empowering conversations about commitment and loyalty, job performance and any other matter pertaining to the success of the organisation.

Hyper-busy executives may complain – one more thing to do in my already packed schedule? “Good morning. Please. Thank you.” These things take a miniscule amount of time. We all like to be respected – we must therefore respect others. And that starts with common courtesy.

TAKE ONE ACTION

Start your day with a sunny “Good morning” to everyone you meet at home, on your way to work and at work.

INTERESTING LINKS

In this blog, I share 5 steps for demonstrating courtesy at work. It’s the foundation for great leadership.
– click to view article

“It’s awkward to have continuing contact with someone who is rude, obnoxious, or unpleasant to be around.” In this article, Ron Ashkenas shares his view of why courtesy has left our workplace, and what leaders can do to bring it back…
– click to view article

Are you a CLIP (Chronically Late Insane Person)? Find out why and what you can do about it, if you ever decide to be sane!
– click to view article