Leaders are a key element of any successful organisation or business, without effective and engaging leaders in place a company built on people will lack direction and be unable to fulfil their objectives. The trouble with leadership is that not every leader knows how to act when they are initially given their leadership position. To combat this many businesses invest in executive coaching and leadership skills training, but the focus of this type of development is on practical skills rather than interpersonal skills. The missing ingredient which leaders sometimes lack can be found in the concept of Leadership Presence.

Earned Authority

The originator of leadership presence, John Baldoni is an author, motivational speaker and leadership consultant. Originally mentioned in his "12 Steps to Power Presence" leadership skills training manual, he has changed the way that leaders act and behave with his innovative leadership presence theory.

Leadership presence, defined as earned authority, is earned through actions and setting examples. A leader by default is in an authoritative position, but a leader with leadership presence has earned the right to their leadership position by demonstrating exceptional behaviours and actions. Leadership presence is the outward reflection of authenticity, leaders radiate sincerity, accountability and they have the drive and ability to make things happen.

A form of communication

Leadership presence essentially is a form of communication, which cannot be gained without support from subordinates and colleagues. Unlike many leadership theories which confuse the ability to lead with leadership traits, leadership presence isn’t assumed through charisma or natural "talents" it is the development of a leader’s character. Character is fundamental to the way that all individuals act, and it is not to be confused with leadership attributes such as influential skills, or public speaking skills. A leader’s character is reflected in their thoughts, words and actions, and leaders can prove their character by developing their ability to be accountable for themselves and the people they lead.

Leadership awareness

Leaders that have earned authority and convey leadership presence are aware of three fundamental things:

• Their earned authority and position as a leader with presence is only given to them by the people that they are leading, regardless of their hierarchical position

• Effective leadership hinges on credibility, and credibility can be gained or lost through a single word, action or decision

• People will not follow and commit to a leader that they are unable to respect or who doesn’t display personal accountability for their actions and behaviours.

Leadership presence is a projection of a leader’s ability, sincerity and values; it is the outward manifestation of true leadership behaviour.

Becoming a leader with presence

Leading with presence and gaining earned authority begins with self development.

Leadership presence itself can be taught through effective coaching and relevant leadership skills development programmes such as personal leadership, motivation, delegation and coaching and mentoring. Above all else the success of leadership presence rests with the individual’s capability to be a fair, consistent and responsible leader who confronts and corrects poor performance and provides recognition for good performance.