Welcome to the Corporate Class Inc. blog. Here we'll share with you Executive Presence tips, dining etiquette information, as well as the latest style trends. Please subscribe to us to keep up with the latest Executive Presence information!

The Forbes List of the World’s Most Powerful Women 2013: What Do They Have in Common?

June 18
2013

Last month, Forbes released its annual list of the top 100 most powerful women in the world. The women in this outstanding group all come from diverse backgrounds and professions: the picks range from politicians, to entrepreneurs, to philanthropists, to celebrities and more. But beyond all of their distinctions, what do these women have in common? One quality they all share: an Executive Presence that has brought them to the success that they experience today.

Here are a few signs of Executive Presence apparent in all of the top 100 most powerful women of the year.

A clear mission and vision
Forbes dubs these women “change-makers” who are “transforming the world in fresh and exhilarating ways.” In order to make change on a massive scale, one first needs a clear mission and vision, as well as a strategic set of objectives, to bring it in to action – and then the ability to demonstrate this vision to others.

This is one of many elements that contribute to Executive Presence. Effectively projecting vision is a component of Gravitas, which, according to the study published by the Center for Talent Innovation, is the core characteristic and the most important pillar of Executive Presence.

Grace under fire
Another key quality of Gravitas is grace under fire, or the ability to remain calm and focused under intense pressure. These top 100 women all face intense pressure of some form during their careers. A “change-maker,” as Forbes names these individuals, often must face disagreement or even fierce disapproval if she is working against a status quo.

In addition to this, there is a vast range of pressure that these powerful women and successful women everywhere face, including the pressure to perform well in front of many people, the pressure to make the right decisions, the pressure to bring in profit, and generally the pressure to succeed.

Take the number 1 woman on this list, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. To “carry the fate of the euro on her shoulders,” as Forbes indicates, and to be a decisive member of the European Union, is no small feat. Ms. Merkel faces intense opposition in light of her support. Yet with her ability to lead a country and navigate a continent’s economic trials with grace and skill, she has topped the list for the past seven years.

Communication
No one would know who these women are, and their work would not have the same level of impact that it does today, if they could not communicate effectively with their publics.

For an example, look at the number 3 woman on this list, Melinda Gates. As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with her husband she leads a foundation that commits millions of dollars annually to pressing education and health challenges in the United States and globally. In addition to this financial commitment, though, what makes her work truly effective is her ability to be a leading voice in these global causes. With a strong and articulate voice, she brings attention to these issues and engages the public as she addresses them.

Communication, another pillar of Executive Presence, is an indispensible part of success. Without the ability to articulate both their visions and their work, these women would not be among the top 100 most powerful in the world.

This list shows the extraordinary range of talent, achievements and ideas that powerful women are presenting to the world. While they are unique global leaders, the qualities that these women share can and should be adopted by ordinary women in the workplace, too – because the Executive Presence that they demonstrate is a universal recipe for success.

Executive Presence

Is “a short, fat, unsightly candidate” the right choice?

May 27
2013

The Globe and Mail recently published Lucy Kellaway’s article Why a short, fat, unsightly candidate could be the right choice. This article, which discusses research that supports the importance of image, seemed right up our alley. Here are some salient findings from the article:

“A 2005 survey revealed that Fortune 500 CEOs were on average 6 feet tall – a whopping 2.5 inches taller than the average American man”

“ Those with deeper voices tend to run larger companies, get paid more and last longer in the job.”

“Various studies have shown the existence of a “beauty premium” – the gorgeous are estimated to earn 10 to 20 per cent more than the rest of us.”

You get the picture. We talked about just this in our blog post: The Economics of Beauty – Are Attractive People More Successful? The post discusses some thoughts I had after hearing Dr. Daniel Hamermesh speak at the Rotman School of Management about his book Beauty Pays. His book, based in research and his background in economics, supports the findings detailed in the Globe and Mail article. At this talk, Dr. Daniel Hamermesh told the story of a bet he took with his co-writer. It went something like this: what would be better for business? – Employing two average looking representatives OR employing one great looking representative and one traditionally unattractive representative? Turns out, the second option was better for business - the attractive co-worker excelled at being the face of the company selling their goods, while the less attractive co-worker excelled at supporting the company behind the scenes.

This subject all makes us a little uncomfortable, so let me end by sharing some research from The Center for Talent Innovation on Executive Presence. In their studies appearance is the least important factor of Executive Presence. Displaying confidence, etiquette, charisma etc. all play a role in how you are perceived. For better or for worse how people perceive (all of) you is the price of entry for many opportunities. Unless you look and act the part, it is difficult to be invited in to show you have the real goods!

Top 3 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in the Workplace

May 22
2013

Confidence is one of the most essential qualities that every professional needs to succeed. When you are confident in the workplace, you have the self-trust and assurance to achieve your goals effectively and with ease – from minor daily accomplishments to big challenges and long-term achievements.

That said, no one is simply born with confidence: it is built over time. Be proactive about building your confidence and take a few steps to boost it now.

Prepare in Advance: Develop Your Ideas

You will feel more confident sharing your own work when you have taken time to develop your ideas properly and have enough knowledge to speak securely on them.

Research first: Have a great idea for a project, but don’t have the stats or evidence to back it up? Before bringing your proposals to the table, conduct a market analysis and background research to support why you think your idea will work.
Become the expert: Even if you don’t share all your research and plans with colleagues, create brainstorming pages, outlines and even reports longer than what you will use – so you can be sure you will pare out the best of your ideas.
Organize your thoughts: Arranging your ideas into an easy-to-read format, such as a handout or a presentation, in turn will help you arrange your thoughts in your head and allow you to speak with ease and confidence.

Refine Your Posture and Body Language

The way you carry yourself is incredibly influential: it can determine how you set a first impression and can influence how others perceive what you say. Let your first impression be a confident one with good posture and strong body language.

The basics: Good posture is a basic need, both for your self-presentation and for your health. Maintain good posture by being mindful of how you sit at your desk, taking standing and stretching breaks, or practicing posture-based exercises such as yoga.
Power posing: Once you have the basics down, think about how you can use your posture and body language to project confidence. In “power posing” to appear confident, studies show you actually may be boosting your confidence by feeling more powerful in your own stance!
Body language: How you use your arms, facial expressions, and stance in a conversation can hold as much weight as your words. It can reveal your attitude and influence how receptive others are to what you say. Be aware of your own body language so you can use it to your advantage.

Confidence in Public Speaking

One of the most common fears is the fear of public speaking. This is no surprise: when we begin to imagine what could happen in front of a large group of people with all eyes on us, our fears can mulitply. To boost your confidence, tackle that fear head-on.

Practice in private: First get comfortable with your speech or presentation in front of the mirror at home. If you know well what you plan to say, and how you look saying it – you can worry less when you’re in front of a group.
Push yourself: Challenge yourself by finding situations outside of work that involve public speaking. Join a conversation group or a speaking club. The more you do it, the more confident you will be.
Know your audience: When you know more about the context of your audience, such as who they are, their age group, their positions in an organization, etc. – you will become more comfortable speaking in front of them when you feel you can connect or relate to the individuals in the crowd.

Building confidence takes time, and it’s not always easy. But once you have confidence in yourself and in your work, what you can achieve may surprise you!

Leadership Toolbox: Effective Communication

May 14
2013

A good leader can express his or her ideas, knowledge, opinions and strategies effectively. A good leader also does not work in isolation of others, but rather communicates and collaborates with fellow colleagues and employees.

Communication skills are an essential component of your leadership toolbox, as a leader not only needs to foster connections and value others who work toward the same organizational goals, but also needs to be convincing and clear about his or her unique contributions. Additionally, communication is one of the three core pillars of Executive Presence. According to the Executive Presence study published last year by the Center for Talent Innovation, there are “no small actions” when it comes to communication – meaning that everything you say and do will contribute to the overall message you send.

How can you communicate effectively, from the small-scale daily interactions to the large-scale messages? A few good communication practices can help you put your best ideas forward and foster constructive relationships with other professionals.

Presenting Your Best Self

Small Scale – Daily Interactions

Most days, we compose dozens of emails. Each message will be most effective and memorable when the ideas are presented clearly and concisely, in well-organized sentences and paragraphs. Don’t disregard the “packaging” of a message as well: the use of proper titles, salutation, signatures and good grammar all contribute to the validity of your message and how convincing it can be.
A one-on-one conversation may not be as decisive as a presentation or a speech, but the way you speak and carry yourself still matters before an audience of one. Clear speech, good posture and body language, and organized thoughts will make for a successful conversation.

Large Scale – Communicate to an Audience

If you need to share your knowledge or thoughts with not one person but many others, you need to be well prepared to deliver a remarkable presentation or speech.Preparation is key – preparing slides and visuals, practicing not only what you say but how you say it, keeping watch on your tone of voice, body language and composure – will keep you relaxed and focused. When you are prepared and comfortable in your ideas, you will be able to “command a room,” an elemental quality of Executive Presence.

Collaboration through Communication

Small Scale – Working with Individuals

When collaborating with employees, use your ears as much as your voice, if not more so. Those who work for you need to know that their input and contributions are valuable; otherwise they themselves may not feel like a valued employee.
In giving and receiving feedback, always do so graciously. Providing criticism that is too harsh fails to be constructive, and accept any input on your own work with the objective to improve what you do.

Large Scale – Communicating to your Company

If you don’t have the opportunity to interact on an individual basis with all of your employees, it does not mean that you should not communicate with them. Find ways to connect with your employees and keep them informed, such as company newsletters, networking opportunities or recognition events.
It is important for the work of an organization’s employees to reflect the mission and vision of that company. As a leader, it is up to you to ensure the mission and vision are communicated effectively and that employees form a robust understanding of the objectives of the organization. Find creative ways to share the vision of your organization with employees, so they grasp and appreciate the “why” of your company.

Effective communication incorporates both the ability to present yourself and your knowledge well, and to collaborate professionally with those around you. Strong communication skills in both regard will make you a strong leader.

Business attire for women on the move

May 9
2013

From zipping around the city from client meeting to partner lunch, to traveling cross-country or cross continent on a regular basis, business often requires women to be on the move. For women who need to look their professional best and want to maintain comfort through long hours and distances, this can pose a challenge. Not to worry: You can still look chic after spending days on the road or hours on the go, with a few extra wardrobe considerations.

Treat your feet
In choosing shoes that will take many steps, make sure you have support – with a proper insole. These can be bought separately and inserted into any shoe, but some are already made with excellent support.

For business casual attire or when on the road, a classic-yet-contemporary loafer will go best with cropped pants and is a comfortable choice. This Johnston & Murphy pewter loafer has a supporting insole, and the pewter adds shine to an otherwise simple look. This season’s Coach Nicola penny loafer also has a plush insole and adds a pop of colour to a spring outfit in coral or mint shades. Both are made of soft leather, which adds both comfort and class to the look.

For outfits where high heels are a must, turn to Canadian designer Ron White, whose design combines comfort and style in high heel shoes. Ron White’s All Day Heels are just that – a heel you can wear all day! Don’t believe it? The designer incorporates NASA-developed material into the shoe to create a long-lasting comfortable fit, while his unique design makes for a beautiful heel.

We’ve also gotten great advice from Lisa Ferguson, the founder of Decor Mentor, on the six essential elements of a perfect trade show shoe. Watch the video on TheHome.com to hear Lisa elaborate on these six qualities:

Rubber soles to absorb the impact of hard surfaces and decrease back fatigue
Platforms keep your sole farther away from the ground, lessening the impact of hard surfaces. Look for about .5”
Wedge or chunk heels for stability
Supple real leather uppers with openings or perforations to allow your fee to breathe (no manmade materials!)
Minimal stitching across the width of the shoe to allow for stretching
Cushiony suede in soles are like shock absorbers, feel like slippers and allow your feet to breathe!

A crisp look
After hours moving between work and meetings with more to go, a shirt can begin to look rumpled. Want to look sharp until the last appointment of the day is over? Try a wrinkle-free blouse, like these non-iron women’s dress shirts from Brooks Brothers. Not only will these shirts hold their crisp look for the day, they also travel well for those on the road without time to spare for ironing. Also, stow one of these shirts in a drawer or closet at the office, for those times when you need to refresh with a quick change or take a last-minute flight for a meeting.

Freshen up
Few and far between can look their very best after hours of work or travel without freshening up every so often. There are a few tricks and techniques to keep you looking like you did at 9:00 am – and luckily, they all fit into your purse or briefcase!

In choosing a perfume, find a scent that has a complementary travel sized roll-on or mini-bottle format. Spritz your fragrance in the morning when you get ready, then refresh later in the day with a quick swipe from your purse-sized perfume. Most fragrances offer packages that include both regular and travel sized formats.

Why New Hires Need Business Etiquette – and How They Can Get It

May 6
2013

Bookmark this on Delicious

The transition between university life and a professional workplace isn’t always seamless. Adjusting to a major shift in workplace culture, protocol and dress takes time and effort. That said, with training, seminars and resources, recent graduates and new hires can be well equipped to jump right in to a professional environment –and your company can help them to do so.

Why do new hires need business etiquette?
For those who have been working professionally for years, many aspects of professional life come as second nature. But for those just entering the workforce, certain protocol can be new territory. Notable examples:

Dining Etiquette
When dining for business, there are many more guidelines to follow that simply dining with family or friends, at home or in a restaurant.

Business dining often takes place in a more formal setting, which requires know-how of more extensive table settings and flatware as well as behaviour.

Additionally, the question of alcohol may come up, in which case it is not always obvious to a new hire that alcoholic drinks should only be ordered if the host encourages the order, and if so, no more than one alcoholic drink should be consumed in a business context.

Finally, keeping good conversation going throughout the meal is an art in and of itself. The savvy diner will not engage in controversial discussion, and will discuss business matters only when it seems appropriate to do so.

Interview Etiquette
Before a young person is even a “new hire,” they’ve got to get the job first! No matter how impressive a resume may be, poor interview etiquette may detract from a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

Punctuality is absolutely essential for a job interview – even if a candidate is only 5 minutes late, many employers will simply write off that opportunity. That said, a fine balance is necessary; in other words, getting to an interview too early can be awkward, especially in small companies. Arriving approximately 10 minutes in advance is a safe bet.

A handwritten thank-you note after an interview is indispensible. Coming prepared with other hard-copy materials is also helpful as well; for example, a copy of a resume and cover letter for each staff member conducting the interview, and a business card or reference letter if applicable.

Professional Dress
The expectation for professional dress and image, even in business casual settings, can be vastly different than on a university campus. It can help new hires immensely to have the dress code outlined right at the start of employment and to have an idea of the differences between business formal, business and business casual dress codes.

How can new hires acquire business etiquette?

New hires can learn the basics of business etiquette and professional image right in your company.

By engaging new hires in etiquette training, ranging anywhere from a full-day seminar to a one-hour Lunch and Learn session, your company will help young professionals become accustomed to new protocol. Additionally, this can help your company is well – with etiquette training as soon as they begin their positions, your newest employees will be able to represent your company’s brand well and will be trusted to interface professionally with your company’s partners and clients.

Young professionals can also acquire business etiquette training during their degrees; undergraduate commerce degrees and MBA programs now often require an etiquette component before graduation. If you work in a university or career counseling setting, consider offering business protocol training to all undergraduate students – because good business etiquette is relevant for any professional!

——————————————————–

For those interested in our etiquette training services, here are two testimonials that may be of interest:

#1 “Dear Diane,

Thank you for sharing the link to the dining video. I find it impressive that it covers how one should behave when he is the host or the guest, as well as how to manage gratuities.

I would like to also thank you very much for yesterday’s session. It was extremely useful and I feel that I learnt many new things when it comes to business etiquette.

I especially appreciate the information and advice you have provided on how to behave in business networking events. Again, thank you so much.”

#2 “Hi Diane,
I love my new job. People are very nice here. I’m learning a lot from my new job.

Last week my company sent me to Montreal for a conference, held by one of the leading investment systems maker in the world. All the Canadian clients of this company came to the conference. Task given to me by my manager was to make contact with everybody. There was a cocktail party, dinner and conference that took place over 2 days.

What I learnt from you helped me a lot. I think I’m very fortunate to have met you. I used all the things you taught me. It was very successful. I saw lot of people who came unprepared for the event. I read the Executive Presence manual you gave me before I went and it helped me remember what you taught me. Thank you so so much again.”

Get Started Today!

I’m already a top executive. Why do I need Executive Training?

April 29
2013

Bookmark this on Delicious

If you are satisfied with your career, have secured your dream job, or have worked your way into a senior management position, you have reason to be proud – these are all major career accomplishments. Be wary, however, of thinking that once you have “made it,” there’s nowhere else to go: everyone, even highly successful and accomplished executives, always have more to learn.

There are many reasons why top executives, senior managers, VPs and CEOs can still benefit from executive training programs and seminars, even if the objective is not to move up in a company. You can keep growing within your current role or you may have the opportunity to make a lateral move in a much larger organization, expanding the scope of your role.

Executive Training…

… Benefits your company

Improving on how you build authentic business relationships, network, communicate and your overall Executive Presence can help you to make more effective and valuable connections, which in turn can facilitate more client deals and partnerships for your company. Who you are and how successful you are as a professional directly influences the success of your company as well.
Executive Training will also refine your leadership skills, which in turn will help you to manage your employees more effectively. A good manager will allow employees to grow as individuals and within an organization, making them a more skilled and efficient staff. A strong leader will also foster strong and lasting connections with employees.

… Will help you adapt to changing times

Today’s workforce is not what it was twenty years ago, ten years ago or even five years ago. With new generations entering the workforce, new technologies becoming part of daily routines and new methods of communication emerging because of these technologies, a successful executive cannot remain static in a dynamic business world.
Executive Training keeps you up-to-date on the current best practices in business etiquette and protocol for new and developing methods of communication. In addition, improving your Executive Presence will sharpen your skills to handle fast-paced change and pressure.

… Is a process of lifelong learning

Executive Presence and its related skills and knowledge do not happen overnight. This is something that requires not only coaching, but also years of practice. To achieve the gravitas of an ideal professional, it requires years to build a reputation and good standing, prove your integrity, determine your vision and develop the ability to handle extreme pressure with grace and confidence.
Remember, no matter how successful you are and how much you have achieved, there will always be room to grow and develop. Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning is also a sign of a great leader.

Office Etiquette: Do or Don’t?

April 25
2013

Bookmark this on Delicious

Most days at the office, basic practice and common knowledge help us to navigate situations and keep our days running smoothly. In certain situations, however, there can be a fine line between “do” and “don’t” for best protocol. What can help in these moments? Reflection, perspective, patience – and the tips below for added insight!

Have you found yourself in any these situations? What are your tips for best protocol?

Phone calls in open offices

For those working in open concept environments or cubicles, taking phone calls in earshot of several colleagues is a daily occurrence. What is the best practice when you know that someone will hear your conversation?

Do: Take normal calls with non-sensitive information at your desk. It is unreasonable to expect employees to find a private space every time they need to make a call.
Do: Keep your voice down to a normal or low tone, so it is not too distracting for others around you.
Don’t: Take any phone calls that will involve private information, such as salary rates or employee personnel. Find a quiet space, or book a private, closed-door office for the duration of the call.
Don’t: Use speakerphone. This includes music playing while your call is on hold, or a conference call you would prefer to take hands-free.

Managing issues

Whether you have an issue with a co-worker, are over your workload capacity or simply need advice, effectively managing workplace issues is key to being a great professional and having a functional work environment.

Don’t: Engage in workplace gossip. The friend or colleague you complain to won’t be able to provide guidance from an organizational perspective, and gossip always holds a high risk of backfiring. Not to mention, gossip breeds negativity.
Do: Elevate the issue to your supervisor or manager. Have an upfront, rational and professional conversation about the issue at hand.

Wardrobe mishap

One wardrobe mishap can be a source of great frustration: spilling coffee on a blouse or suit jacket, say, or accidentally dressing down for casual Friday when an important client meeting looms that same afternoon. What to do in these situations?

Don’t: Panic. If you’re down and out on the wardrobe front, a last resort could be to step out for an emergency dry clean or even a new shirt purchase, or to head home over lunch hour to change.
Do: Be prepared. This means keeping an extra suit jacket hanging on your office door or in the coat closet for unexpected spills or formal occasions.
Do: Keep tabs on your schedule with wardrobe concerns in mind. Make a mental note (or even a note on the appointment itself) when there is a critical meeting, presentation or formal event in the day’s activities, so you can remember to dress up a notch when need be.

Late to an important meeting

This is a situation to be avoided at all costs, but inevitably, tardiness happens. When it does:

Do: Send a quick email or text to the meeting organizer that you are going to be late, so that the group can proceed without you.
Do: Apologize profusely – to the meeting organizer and to the attendees, especially if others’ schedules will be impacted by your lateness.
Do: Email any contributions to the attendees following the meeting that you would have shared during the duration of the meeting itself.
Don’t: Make a habit out of being late! Punctuality is an essential characteristic in a successful professional.

Why Employee Retention Matters – and How to Achieve It

April 8
2013

Bookmark this on Delicious

For any company, employee retention is important for clear reasons: when an organization retains its employees, it means the staff is dedicated and satisfied; additionally, the employees’ years of experience contribute to a well-informed and efficient staff. If you are a leader within a company, you inevitably contribute to employee retention and need to plan to retain employees who are high performing.

What are some tactics to achieve employee retention in your company?

Cultivate employee growth and development

On an annual basis, it is a good idea for an organization to require all employees to define their goals and objectives for the year ahead. Take this opportunity to allow employees not only to map their upcoming year, but also to envision a path of growth and advancement several years down the line. This will encourage employees to think long-term at your company, and will send a message to them that they are valued in the company’s extended plan as well.

Provide opportunities to employees to grow and develop as professionals generally. This could include dedicated training sessions or programs for business etiquette, or a weekly or monthly Lunch & Learn session on a range of topics. Employees will welcome an opportunity to learn alongside their daily work, and their skillsets will expand because of it.

Focus on staff morale

Keeping employees happy and satisfied in their work is crucial to retaining good staff. In an earlier blog post, Boosting and Maintaining Employee Morale, we discuss three ways to promote employee morale in the workplace: create a culture of communication, foster friendliness among coworkers, and acknowledge accomplishments. For concrete examples and more on this topic, click the link above to read the post.

Encourage challenges – and reward employees accordingly

A high-performing staff will thrive on professional challenges and great goals. The first step, then, is to hire high-calibre employees. Hiring is not a process to be approached lightly; finding excellent employees who will fit well in a company means multiple resume reviewers, seeking employees with an impressive work history or credentials, and at least two rounds of interviews for top candidates.

Once your staff is comprised of those who are willing to accept challenges, use high goals to enable them to thrive: inspire them to bring their own ideas to the table to advance a project or reach a milestone, and expect results from their work – requiring that they measure, document, and present their success.

In all their demonstrations of excellence, ensure that employees are acknowledged accordingly with due credit, both informally through verbal or written praise and formally through honours or salary increases at appropriate opportunities.

Warning: though employees should be challenged and often will find success within such tasks, do not overwork your employees. If staff members feel pressured to work beyond their capacity on a regular basis to meet goals, this will have the opposite effect on your retention strategy. To prevent employees from burning out, encourage maintaining a work-life balance and opportunities for wellness, both in and out of the workplace.

What Makes a Great CEO?

April 1
2013

Bookmark this on Delicious

What makes an excellent CEO? Standard leadership traits come to mind – initiative, skill, dedication – all of which are important in a CEO, but are not the only factors in a truly unique, admired and successful leader. What other values are important in a corporate leader, both for the employees of a CEO’s company and for the general public?

A great CEO is…

… Someone who sets an example

For a corporate leader, there are many ways to define “setting an example.” First, a CEO can set a personal example for his or her employees, setting the tone in the company for work ethic, good character, creativity and professionalism based on how he or she acts on a daily basis. Many employees look to their CEO for the gold standard.

A CEO also has the ability to set an example on behalf of the company. As a leader, especially for a well-known company, the CEO has the responsibility to act as a spokesperson for the company. Based on conduct, a CEO can influence – positively or negatively – the public image of the company.

Finally, a CEO can set an example by acknowledging and engaging in responsibilities outside of his or her own company, through corporate social responsibility or by encouraging employees to be involved in and give back to their communities.

… Someone who values his or her employees

No matter the size of the company, a good CEO must demonstrate that he or she values the employees and their contributions to the company. Based on the number of employees, there are various ways to show this appreciation:

If a CEO is leading a small company, does he or she interact regularly with all of the employees? Does he or she seek the opinions and advice of employees, and thoughtfully acknowledge the contributions of each employee, no matter their position? If so, these are signs of a good CEO.

If a CEO is leading a large company, does he or she effectively communicate to hundreds (and possibly thousands) of employees that they are all valued? Does he or she have an influence on how the various levels of management interact, so that guidance is distributed on a personalized and individual level? If so, these are signs of a good CEO.

… Someone who has gravitas

Gravitas is a foundational element of Executive Presence. Gravitas itself is a set of characteristics, which include confidence, decisiveness, integrity, emotional intelligence, reputation and vision. All of these traits are essential in a successful CEO.

Whether employees are on a first-name basis with their CEO or have never even met their CEO, they need to trust that their CEO can handle pressure from all sides and will steer the company with grace and foresight. Gravitas embodies the myriad components of a great leader.

Acknowledging Great CEOs

National and international accolades honour corporate leaders who demonstrate exemplary qualities. One such award is the Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year program, for executives in Canadian business who have led their companies to achieve global excellence while maintaining trust and integrity.

Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year selection criteria include Vision and Leadership, Corporate Performance, Global Competitiveness, Innovative Business Achievements and Social Responsibility. What are your criteria for an outstanding CEO? Have you worked for an excellent CEO, and what were his or her best qualities? Share your experience in the comments below!