- Presence is about impact on others. When they're around you, they feel safe, supported, and energized. You are "solving something" just by being there.
- Anyone can develop presence. Leaders aren't born, they're made. You can learn the attributes of leadership presence.
- Engage in positive reflection. Reflect on what your values are and think about times in which you've exemplified the traits you want to see.
- The REIP Model. To improve your leadership presence, reflect on your behavior, emulate those you admire, set intentions, and practice.
About Professor Adam Galinsky
Professor Adam Galinsky is the Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics and a Vice Dean at Columbia Business School. A world-renowned expert in leadership and negotiation, he is also the author of INSPIRE which pulls together decades of research into leadership.
Let's Act: improving your presence
You reap what you sow. So try out the REIP Model and see the difference it makes. Galinsky's studies have shown how reflection, even in the moment, can make a huge difference.
So make this commitment:
Access the essential membership for Modern Managers
- Once a month, work through the REIP Model.
Take stock: reflect on when you've displayed presence and times when you haven't. Also, consider the traits of those you want to be like. With this information, write your intentions for the next month, and then go out there and give it a try!
Here are some further Mindtools resources on presence:
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