What “Executive Presence” Really Means

Twice in the past week, I heard from two absolutely capable women that they were passed over for promotional positions because they did not have “executive presence.” Huh.

I Googled “What does ‘executive presence’ mean?” and an article by an Ivy League professor came up, written last year, in which he talked about “looking the part” and presenting oneself with an “air of confidence and swagger.” Okayyyy.

Over the same few days, I was updating my website, and looking to swap out a couple of photos. I searched the stock images for “executive.” I’ll post a screenshot of the search results below.

It appears it’s easier for some than others to “look the part.”

What I’m taking away from my quick dive into understanding “executive presence” is that (at best) it’s a stereotype we’re unfortunately relying on to make decisions about leadership competence. When I think about the type of person I want in a leadership role, I’d much prefer qualities like integrity, trustworthiness, courage, resilience, and the appropriate experience and knowledge for the position.

It’s totally natural (and often genuinely helpful!) for our brains to categorize information through stereotyping. This is not one of those helpful times. Instead, it’s a time to recognize an unproductive association and think more deeply about a decision.

If you’ve ever hesitated about one’s (even your own!) capability due to their “executive presence,” it’s time to re-think what that actually means to you. And the good news? You're more likely to find someone great by relying on values rather than a shortcut.