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Commanding the Room: Why Executive Presence Matters for Admin Professionals
December 24, 2024
Written by: Candace Doby
What Is Executive Presence and Why Is It Essential for Administrative Professionals?
Executive presence, in short, is the ability to take up space. It is the ability to project competence, confidence, and credibility in a way that inspires trust, respect, and others to take action. Having this kind of presence is about showing up authentically and powerfully in a way that aligns with your values and conveys your capacity to handle critical situations.
Through my work, I’ve come to understand how important courage is to showing up authentically. Bringing the fullness of your truth and power to work—whether in a boardroom, team meeting, or one-on-one conversation—requires a willingness to embrace vulnerability, take risks, and challenge norms.
For administrative professionals, developing executive presence allows them to feel confident internally and command attention externally, even in rooms where they might not traditionally be the loudest voice. It equips them with the courage to advocate for their ideas, set boundaries, and communicate their expertise assertively. Executive presence is a catalyst that can elevate careers and create significant value for organizations. That’s why cultivating this quality is non-negotiable.
How I've Used Executive Presence to Handle Challenging Situations
A senior marketing leader I once worked with decided to roll out a new strategy that I knew would face resistance from the broader field marketing team because it was overly complex. I felt strongly that this decision needed to be reconsidered, but I also knew I had to approach the conversation thoughtfully.
I used executive presence to challenge the decision constructively. In a meeting, I said that I understood the goal behind the change and wanted to ensure its success. Based on feedback and capacity, I suggested simplifying the process or rolling it out in phases to bolster buy-in and effectiveness.
This approach gained his attention and respect because I focused on shared goals. For me, this experience reinforced that executive presence isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about being intentional, impactful, and influential.
Balancing Approachability With Confidence and Authority
Being approachable and demonstrating authority don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Administrative professionals can do both successfully by adopting a mindset of "coming in contribution."
Coming in contribution emphasizes honoring yourself while respecting your connections. For admins, honoring yourself means enforcing boundaries, highlighting your work, or sharing unique perspectives. Respecting your connections involves offering solutions that are thoughtful and solution-based.
For instance, if an executive asks you to take on an additional project despite your full plate, you can highlight the critical work you’re already doing while offering alternatives. Suggest pushing the deadline, breaking the project into phases, or de-prioritizing other tasks.
This balance showcases both competence and collaboration, reinforcing your confidence and authority while maintaining strong relationships.
Key Traits That Successful Admin Professionals Exhibit
The administrative professionals who consistently impress senior leadership and rise into leadership roles share several traits:
- They Don’t Minimize Their Importance: They understand their role as linchpins in their organizations and recognize their power without downplaying their contributions.
- They Speak Up Courageously: These professionals use their voices to contribute ideas, ask smart questions, and challenge assumptions in a respectful, constructive way.
- They Are Solutions-Oriented: When problems arise, they focus on actionable solutions while highlighting their experience and resourcefulness.
- They Communicate Exceptionally: Skilled admins adapt their communication style to suit different audiences, demonstrating clarity, empathy, and confidence.
- They Avoid Following Rules That Don’t Exist: Successful admins reject the “always say yes” or “wait for permission to lead” mentalities. They take initiative, embrace imperfection, and prioritize self-awareness.
These behaviors not only build trust with senior leaders but also position administrative professionals as indispensable team members and future leaders.
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