Have you considered your digital executive presence? Back when you could count on nearly all of your meetings taking place in person, defining “executive presence” was a bit simpler. With a focus on body language, appearance, and even charisma, most people could picture or at least recognize a strong executive presence.
As the world of work has become increasingly digital, however, “executive presence” becomes a more challenging quality to exhibit. Online conferences are a great equalizer, and even someone with a strong in-person presence might seem constrained by the limitations of Zoom, Webex, and other similar platforms. Not only that, video appearances via social media or videos shared company-wide can be a job requirement.
Leaders must convey confidence and inspire their teams no matter the medium.
5 Keys to a Strong Digital Executive Presence
Table of Contents
1. Remain Visible and Communicative
Use the communication tools you have to stay visible across the company. Communicate via Slack, e-mail, or whatever group communication app you have to share news, wins, progress, inspiration, or whatever the company might need to hear. And don’t limit yourself to one-way communication; comment on other posts, and reply publicly to others in the company. Staying in front of people across the organization will show that you are still hands-on, available, and present.
2. Don’t Neglect Your Appearance
As an executive (or aspiring executive), it’s important to remember that the presence your team sees through video is the one they expect in person. When your on-screen outfits are more leisurely than those you wear to the office, you may project a more casual “vibe” or seem a little less “put together.” For your state of mind and the cues you give off via video conferencing, try to come as close to your in-person attire as possible whenever you need to appear in front of others.
3. Present a Professional Workspace
When you have to appear on video, ensure the space around you is uncluttered and professional. If you wouldn’t want to invite people into your office in person, don’t invite them in via video. If necessary, use a virtual background —something clean, professional, and generic, or a branded one designed by your marketing team. In addition, pay attention to the lighting and audio on your end. If you are shadowed or overlit, or if your microphone is of poor quality, you won’t project the image of a strong leader.
4. Be Sure you Know the Technology You’re Using
Few things will damage your professionalism or presence more than accidentally appearing as a cat onscreen. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the buttons on your meeting platform to project an air of competence.
5. Remember to Pause and Listen
Conversations over virtual meeting platforms will necessarily involve pauses and lags simply from technological limitations. When someone else is speaking, be sure to listen with your full attention, and then give a few seconds pause after the speaker finishes to ensure they have had the opportunity to complete their thought.
The digital world certainly challenges our old ways of interacting, and adapting to this new world will likely take longer than a year or two. Be patient, and remember that an overall air of openness, stability, and competence across all channels will go a long way toward establishing a strong executive presence.
