Commanding authority as an executive isn't about intimidating others or barking orders. It's about earning respect, demonstrating leadership, and setting a tone that inspires confidence. Whether you're leading a boardroom meeting or addressing your team, the way you present yourself can make all the difference. Here’s a look at some strategies that can help you command authority effectively, along with examples of what to do—and what to avoid.
Do: Show Confidence in Your Decisions
Example: When announcing a major decision, such as a new #strategic direction, present it with #conviction. For instance, if you're rolling out a new company initiative, speak about it clearly, outlining the benefits and expected outcomes. Your #confidence in the plan will encourage others to trust your judgment and follow your lead.
Don’t: Waver or appear uncertain in front of your team. If you constantly second-guess yourself or over-qualify your statements with "I think" or "maybe," it undermines your authority. For example, saying "I think this might be the right move" lacks the decisiveness that people look for in a leader. Again, its acceptable and encouraged to ask for feedback leading up to the decision making portion of the initiative; however, once you've made a decision, move forward with confidence.
Do: Maintain Strong Body Language
Example: Stand tall, make direct eye contact, and use purposeful #gestures when speaking. In a meeting, for example, standing up to address the room can subtly reinforce your leadership role. A confident posture, such as leaning back in your chair and taking up space, signals that you are in control and assured in your role.
Don’t: Slouch, avoid eye contact, fidget, or rest your head on your hand. These actions can make you appear less #confident and diminish your #presence. For instance, if you're delivering a #presentation while looking down at your notes the entire time, it suggests a lack of preparation and #authority.
Do: Listen Actively and Respond Thoughtfully
Example: When a team member shares their ideas or concerns, give them your full attention, acknowledge their input, and respond in a way that shows you #value their contribution. For example, saying, "I appreciate your perspective on this," demonstrates both authority and respect. You are not obligated to use anyone's ideas, but practicing active listening will instill the #confidence in your team to bring forward a #winning idea the next time.
Don’t: Dismiss, embarrass, or ignore others' opinions, especially amongst their peers. Cutting someone off mid-sentence or failing to engage with their input can come across as arrogant or intellectually weak, and can erode your authority.
Do: Set Clear Expectations and Hold People Accountable
Example: Clearly outline your expectations for your team and follow up to ensure they’re being met. For instance, if you assign a project with a tight deadline, reiterate the importance of meeting that deadline and provide the #resources needed to succeed. Follow up with regular check-ins to monitor progress.
Don’t: Be vague about expectations or let missed #deadlines slide without addressing them. For example, saying, "Just get it done when you can," lacks clarity and can lead to misunderstandings. If deadlines are consistently missed without consequences, it sends a message that standards are not important, which can undermine your #authority. Performance issues should be tracked and addressed in a timely, matter of fact way directly with the employee.
Do: Lead by Example
Example: Demonstrate the behavior and #workethic you expect from your team. If you want your team to be prepared and accountable, make sure you are putting in the hours and accomplishing your own actions. If you introduce policies like turning cameras on during staff meetings, be sure to have your camera on. Leading by example shows that you hold yourself to the same standards you set for others.
Don’t: Expect others to follow rules you don't adhere to yourself. For instance, if you insist on punctuality but regularly arrive late to meetings, it sends mixed signals and diminishes your credibility. #Hypocrisy in leadership is a quick way to lose respect and authority.
Do: Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
Example: When addressing your team, be clear and concise in your messaging. Whether you're providing feedback or sharing a new #vision, your communication should leave no room for misinterpretation. For instance, if you're introducing a new policy, explain why it's necessary and how it aligns with the company's goals.
Don’t: Ramble or use overly complex language. Long-winded explanations can confuse your audience and dilute the #impact of your message. For example, if you're outlining a new policy and go off on tangents, your team may lose focus on the key points, reducing the effectiveness of your communication.
Do: Acknowledge Achievements and Address Issues Promptly
Example: Recognize team members for their successes and address challenges or mistakes as they arise. For example, publicly praising an #employee for going above and beyond reinforces #positive behavior and strengthens your #authority as a leader who values results.
Don’t: Ignore achievements or let issues fester. Failing to acknowledge good work can demotivate your team, while avoiding difficult conversations can lead to bigger problems down the line. For instance, if a project goes off track and you say nothing, it can be seen as passive leadership, eroding your authority. Additionally, don’t fall into the trap of rewarding others for your own personal recognition. There’s a perfect scene in an episode of Veep that describes this common leadership flaw to a tee. The Vice President, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, was supposed to give commendation to a staff member for a major win. Instead, she manipulated the message and told everyone they should praise her for choosing the right person for the job. Most of us can recall a similar, cringe-worthy situation. Don’t be that leader. There is an incredible amount of power given to the leader who genuinely and appropriately recognizes deserving teammates.
In Closing..
By focusing on these do’s and don’ts, you can strengthen your executive presence and command authority in a way that earns respect, fosters trust, and drives results. Remember, true authority comes from a combination of confidence, clarity, and consistency in how you lead.
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