By Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo
In today’s complex business landscape, leadership is not defined by title, rank, or expertise alone. The most effective leaders possess something far more powerful: presence and influence. This invisible currency determines who is heard, who drives change, and who inspires lasting impact.
I have worked with countless professionals who are exceptionally skilled, yet they struggle to gain traction, inspire commitment, or lead effectively.
They assume that knowledge and experience alone will propel them forward. But the reality? It is not just about what you know; it is about how you make others believe in and act on what you know.
The Power of Presence and Influence
So, what exactly is executive presence, and why is it the game-changer in leadership?
According to a Gartner survey of CIOs, executive presence is the second most important leadership trait, surpassing technical knowledge and domain expertise. The reason is simple: in leadership, perception is just as important as ability.
Executive presence is not just about looking the part – it is a powerful blend of confidence, poise, communication, and authenticity that commands respect and trust. Leadership is not only about what you know but also about how you show up, communicate, and engage others.
Sylvia Ann Hewlett, in her book Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success, describes it as “a quality that telegraphs that you are in charge or deserve to be.” Leaders who possess this presence do not just occupy positions—they influence outcomes, inspire followership, and drive transformation.
At its core, executive presence is built on:
- Confidence & Command – Standing tall, making strong eye contact, and using an authoritative tone.
- Compelling Communication – Speaking with clarity, energy, and impact.
- Positive Body Language – Open gestures, purposeful movement, and an air of approachability.
- Authentic Engagement – Actively listening, empathizing, and inspiring trust.
The Common Leadership Gap: Why Expertise Alone Isn’t Enough
Many leaders spend years perfecting their technical skills but neglect the people skills that build presence and influence. The result?
- They struggle to communicate their vision persuasively.
- They get passed over for promotions despite their expertise.
- They fail to inspire commitment and action from their teams.
The truth is that expertise may open the door, but presence and influence determine how far you go.
Mastering Influence: Practical Steps for Leaders
If you want to elevate your leadership, you must invest in building influence intentionally. Here’s how:
- Own Your Presence – How you show up, speak, and engage with others shapes how you are perceived as a leader. Be intentional about projecting confidence, clarity, and authenticity.
- Communicate with Impact – Influence is built through communication. Learn to speak with conviction, tell compelling stories, and make your message resonate with your audience.
- Build Strong Connections – People are more likely to follow leaders they trust. Invest in meaningful relationships—listen actively, show empathy, and create value for others.
- Step Into Visibility – Influence requires being seen and heard. Take on leadership roles in meetings, present your ideas boldly, and actively engage in conversations that matter.
- Seek Continuous Growth – Leadership influence is not a one-time achievement – it is an ongoing journey. Be open to feedback, refine your skills, and stay adaptable to new challenges.
True leadership is not about control – it is about the ability to inspire, persuade, and create meaningful impact. The leaders who shape industries, drive transformation, and leave legacies are those who have mastered the currency of influence.
Are you ready to step into your full leadership potential and build a presence and influence that lasts? The time to start is now.
Are you ready for TRANSFORMATION?
Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo is a Ghanaian multi-disciplinary Business Leader, Entrepreneur,
Consultant, Certified High-Performance Coach (CHPC™), and global Speaker.
She is the Founder and CEO of The DCG Consulting Group.
She is the trusted coach to top executives, managers, teams, and entrepreneurs, helping
they reach their highest level of performance through the integration of technical skills
with human (soft)skills for personal development and professional growth, a recipe for
success she has perfected over the years.
Her coaching, seminars, and training have helped many organizations and individuals to
transform their image and impact, elevate their engagement, and establish networks
leading to improved and inspired teams, growth, and productivity.
