Jay Greenberg on Executive Presence [Podcast]

By Adam Turteltaub Executive presence isn’t simply walking in the room and having everyone instantly feel that that you are in charge.  It is something different explains Jay Greenberg, the recently retired Chief Compliance Officer at the FBI.  Instead, it is being powered by your core values and then making a maximum positive contribution to any situation by fully investing yourself to achieving that assigned mission. Executive presence, he shares, is a skill acquired through the application of experience, coupled with a great deal of self-reflection that focuses on self-confidence, core values and the help of mentors. Also of great value: preparation and confidence that is informed by past experiences, including failures.  Even star leaders didn’t magically emerge, he reminds us.  They learned from their failures, missteps and other learning experiences. It doesn’t matter, he explains, if you are working with leadership or rank and file employees.  Know your core values, who you are, your positive character traits and focus ahead of time.  It will help you feel self-contained and confident.  He also advises keeping a bit of mental distance, being both a participant and an observer at the same time.  It will help you tailor your approach to the outcome you want.  Also, be sure you understand the perspective of your audience. Listen in to learn more about how you can master the skills of executive presence.