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How Authentic Alignment Shapes True Executive Presence in Leadership

Great leaders don’t just command—they connect. Learn how micro-moments and self-awareness build the **presence** that inspires teams and drives impact.

In a room there is a trolley, reception desk, doors and a board.
In a room there is a trolley, reception desk, doors and a board.

How Authentic Alignment Shapes True Executive Presence in Leadership

Executive presence, a vital aspect of leadership, can be cultivated along two dimensions: horizontal and vertical. Elif Suner, a renowned expert, defines it as the authentic alignment between one's inner self and outer expression.

Horizontal development involves expanding leaders' awareness through external actions and experiences. This can happen through 'micro-moments' in daily interactions. Vertical development, on the other hand, focuses on deepening the connection with one's authentic self, including values, emotions, beliefs, and presence. Preparing beyond content, such as aligning emotions and body, is a key part of this vertical development.

To cultivate executive presence, leaders should aim to replace judgment with observation. This helps in building inner stability and composure, which can be further enhanced by harnessing the power of pause. Developing executive presence transforms learning and development into a more meaningful and motivational process. It reflects the intentionality of how one shows up, ensuring alignment between inner and outer expression.

In essence, cultivating executive presence involves both expanding one's awareness through experiences and deepening one's connection with the authentic self. This alignment of the inner and outer expression, as defined by Elif Suner, transforms leaders into more effective, stable, and motivational figures.

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