Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success

Forty-one percent of professionals of color said they had felt the need to compromise their authenticity in order to conform to EP standards at their company. White respondents also conceded they felt the need to conform, of course, but people of color were significantly more likely than whites to feel this tension. Among people of color, responden

“If I am participating in a meeting, my first communication cannot be meek,” she explains. “I do not speak up unless I have a really good point to make or insight to add. I usually wait to speak until I am prepared to make a counterpoint, or ask an insightful question.” The opposite applies, she stresses, if she’s leading the meeting. “I take charg

WHEN YOU SHOW TEETH, SHOW THAT YOU HAVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE TEAM AT HEART

Be proactive and honest if you know this is not a work situation that you can turn around. “What’s important,” says Garcia Quiroz, “is that you show you’re going to take responsibility for your career—by managing the terms of your own exit.”

Sponsors are not mentors. Sponsors are powerful leaders who see potential in you and, provided you give them 110 percent, will go out on a limb to make things happen for you.

IF YOU CAN’T GET ACTIONABLE FEEDBACK FROM YOUR SUPERIORS, ASK FOR A COACH—OR PAY OUT-OF-POCKET YOURSELF

Complement a sophisticated look with a signature style piece or accent. For men this might be a pair of colorful socks, a playful tie, vintage cuff links, distinctive shoes, or a bold watch.

Good grooming is not just about making a polished first impression: It’s about signaling to your competitors, and yourself, that you’re in total control.

He then went on to explain that he’d long understood the connection between looking good and looking capable.