“What would Donald do?” That is a question asked by Wil Anderson, ABC TV’s Gruen host, each week as an introduction to a comedy send-up of US real estate tycoon and Republican Party Presidential hopeful, Donald Trump. “Does Donald act like a leader?” is really the question. His erratic outspoken behaviour seems to suggest otherwise. That is why he is the brunt of many jokes and comedy sketches. Democratic Party front-runner Hillary Clinton on the other hand displays more self-control and poise as a potential leader of the free world.
Yes there may be others waiting in the wings who could come out on top, but whatever the outcome of this particular leadership battle is – my view is the one who displays expertise and dignity will emerge triumphant.
So in continuing my series of Leadership Presence blogs – A is to ACT like a leader.
Your ambitions might not run to those of Donald and Hillary but even if your goal is just to get paid each week – it’s worth being aware of acceptable behaviour and acting like a leader. Gravitas is one criteria of leadership presence and is really about awareness of acting appropriately and conducting yourself with dignity. Everything you say, do and the way you behave speaks volumes about your personal brand.
It may be attributes you are unaware of that are perceived negatively by others. For instance shyness coming across as aloofness or annoying speech habits, lack of good manners, punctuality. These are the things about you that speak loud and clear to others.
For some gravitas may seem like an elusive quality. But is it really unattainable – I don’t think so. It can be obtained by practicing self-awareness and some self-analysis on your personality traits and professional behaviour. Is your body language and non-verbal communication such as eye contact and handshake supporting you or subtracting from your essence? How do you develop relationships with your clients or conduct yourself in social situations? Are you confident, charismatic and conversational? I’m sure you’ve seen many examples of people who have had too much to drink at work events and regretted things done or said. Perhaps not good gravitas.
You are your brand and how your project yourself is vitally important to the success of your business or career. You’ve no doubt invested a lot of time, effort and money into setting up your own business or learning new career skills – why not invest some time and effort into yourself – after all, you’re worth it!
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Read last week’s blog Shine your Speech to Engage as a Leader
Sue Currie is a personal branding specialist providing solutions to business owners and organisations to boost their image, renown, brand and business. She is the creator of the Shine Personal Branding System™ a process she uses to coach executives and entrepreneurs to progress in their careers. Sue is also the founder of Shine Academy™, providing professional development training. Through speaking, corporate workshops, and consulting, Sue helps businesses and individuals to stand out and shine.
