It’s that ‘thing’ you bring to a room, to a team, and to an organisation. And a screen, in this WFH world. It’s always important, and even more so when you start a new role, and everyone is watching you.

Broadly defined as your Executive Presence, it’s the energy you bring to a room. It’s the impact you have on people, and how you make them feel. It influences how they react to you, and ultimately if they choose to support you, or undermine you. There’s a good reason it’s always on the list in senior executive job specs.

Think about how you look, act and communicate. They’re key ingredients in creating the image of your leadership capability, and it makes sense to consider whether yours needs a tweak.

How do you work that out?

You could dive into some research and self-reflection – there are hundreds of books, podcasts and TedTalks on executive presence. It’s a big, broad-ranging topic.

And you could work with a coach – someone like me – to help you develop greater awareness about your personal presence, and the impact you have on others.

In my experience, there’s a question that always seems to help the discovery process.

‘How do you need to show up?’

It can apply to so many scenarios, including a difficult meeting, or a new role.

What will you bring to the room?

You could enter with a smile, or avoid eye contact. You could inspire confidence in others, or leave them confused about whether they can trust you.

When you get it right, there’s a very good chance you’ll ‘hear the guitars … playin’ lovely tunes, Every time that you ….. walk in the room’.

And who doesn’t want that?

To get back into your groove, try this Bust-a-Move blog soundtrack: ‘When You Walk In The Room’, The Searchers.