Chapter 10: Applying Executive Presence

A key component that separates leaders from managers is the ability to use influence to inspire, rather than wield power to control. Instinctively, people decide how competent someone is in as little as 100 milliseconds; first impressions come across as either authoritative or approachable. When applying executive presence, it’s important to find the right balance of both while engaging in difficult or high-stakes conversations. In this audio book chapter (Chapter 10) of Composure: The Art of Executive Presence, author Kate Purmal shares how to use that balance to achieve the highest and best good for all stakeholders; not just you, but other parties and the entire company, as well—which is a cornerstone of good leadership. When all parties are addressed, everyone feels heard and considered by a leader that genuinely cares about the outcome.