The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others

it is critical to get your head around what type of presence you want to demonstrate, the values you want to convey, and how that matches up (or doesn’t) with how others currently perceive you.

Determine Your Personal Presence Brand

I took the feedback to heart and literally looked in the mirror. I realized that my most relaxed expression is a frown. In other words, if I’m doing nothing I’m frowning. Not at all the presence I want to convey! So I worked hard to adjust my neutral expression to be upturned, or a slight smile. Now that expression feels natural to me.

Key Takeaways from Chapter 1 1.Being intentional about your presence is similar to having an athlete’s mental focus. 2.Uncover any negative thoughts you have about your presence that are getting in your way. Know what’s playing just below your consciousness. 3.Set a positive intention for the kind of presence you want to convey overall. That’s your

People who maintain optimistic thoughts gain resilience. When they have setbacks, they see the issue as temporary and specific, not permanent and pervasive.

The kind of presence that attracts other people to you, makes your team want to move mountains for you, and propels you ahead is the opposite of fake. It is pure authenticity—being more of the person you already are, without the mental subterfuge that gets in the way.

Executive presence begins in your head. It resides in how you think about yourself, your abilities, your environment,

The intentions that we hold in our head, either positive or negative, create mental shortcuts that become a veritable path of least resistance. The more we think something, the easier it is for our mind to process it. That’s why it’s critical to be fully aware of any negative thoughts blocking your progress.

I define having an intentional presence as understanding how you want to be perceived and subsequently communicating in a manner so that you will be perceived the way you want. It means aligning your thoughts with your words and actions. And it requires a keen understanding of your true, authentic self, as well as your impact on others.