A while back, in working with a startup, I observed something that changed how I think about executive presence.

Most of the PMs came in wearing jeans and hoodies. The Support engineer, though, unfailingly showed up in smart business-casual attire, even on Fridays. After getting to know him, I asked him about it.

He said:

“I dress like our CEO.”

His response struck me, but more than that it was his mindset. He wasn’t trying to impress. For him, that small daily choice was a reminder of how he wanted to carry himself, and perhaps, a vision of his future self.

That highlighted to me the alignment between:

  • Who I am right now
  • Who I want to become
  • How I can bridge the gap

When those are aligned, you feel it. Others feel it too.

HBR breaks executive presence into three broad areas:

  • Gravitas (confidence, decisiveness, inclusiveness, respect for others, vision, integrity)
  • Communication (speaking skills, command of a room, listening to learn, ability to read an audience, authenticity, body language)
  • Appearance (polished look, authenticity, fitness, style of dress, online image, showing up)

This is not about dressing up or dressing down. But it is about showing up with purpose, and pairing that with substance.

Titles come later. Presence starts today.