LinkedIn Learning - Executive Presence: Tips for Women by Selena Rezvani

I started using LinkedIn Learning as part of my direct reports' quarterly objectives in Q2.  I initially logged in to see what courses were available for my team, when I realized that I should also be taking advantage of the courses for my own development.

The course I assigned myself is "Executive Presence: Tips for Women" by Selena Rezvani.  Divided into short ~3 minute sessions, the training is easily consumable.  Takeaways parallel concepts discussed in Playing Big by Tara Mohr.

- Executive Presence: I've never thought too much of 'executive presence' and what it means.  When I lived on Capitol Hill, I walked by Sen. John Kerry during an early morning commute.  We were the only two people on the street, and his presence and stride struck me in that even if I had not known who he was, I knew he was an important man.

The definition of executive presence is: Ability to project authority while communicating with confidence and authenticity. 

That projection of authority is what John Kerry possessed through his body language.  It's an intangible concept yet very palpable and real.  It transform being perceived as a solid performer to a stand out performer.

- Meetings: I struggle with contributing in meetings.  I am very much an introvert and need time to ruminate before making sense of things.  At the same time, I know I need to become more vocal in meetings to be an effective leader.

Tips provided for meetings is to think:

WHAT stands out?

SO WHAT why does it matter?
NOW WHAT have a point of view

- Delivery of Ideas: Tell it so you sell it.  Speak with authority. Move from permission seeking or unsure language to strong or decisive language.

1. instead of if, use when

2. instead of would or could, use should or will

3. instead of can (permission seeking), use let's

- Power Mantras: Counter Inner Critic, be intentional about internal thoughts, have constructive inner dialogue
    -> I 400% belong here   

    -> I take bold action instead of fear

    -> If I take a wrong turn, I can right myself

    -> If it's meant to be, it's up to me

This will help quiet the pachad and allow me to lean into my yirah.

- Body Language: More presence, in control

    -> Make an entrance, shoulders back

    -> Take up space -> take up entire chair, gesture naturally, plant feed wide when standing

    -> Hand gestures -? use to reinforce what I'm saying

- Act Decisively - Executives are decisive, make decisions.  no one knows the answer

    -> Practice making decisions & sticking to them/following through

    -> Make decisions public, will put people at ease/people do not like uncertainty

    -> Wrong decision better than indecision

- Recover Quickly for Mistakes: Still have executive presence if make a mistake

    -> Own it, take responsibility succinctly (e.g. that didn't come out as I intended, let me refrain)

    -> Don't over explain

    -> Segway to subject I know well, main point I want to leave people with

    -> Forgive myself