How do I build my Executive Presence as a PM?

 
What happened this week?

This week, we're diving into a vital (and often overlooked) skill – showing you've got what it takes to lead. Meet Elen, a GPM at a big tech company I’ve been coaching for a few months, who's super skilled at her job. She's built some awesome products, and everyone thinks she's great. But here's the twist – she can't move up the ladder to become a Director/VP level, even though she's totally deserving it.

After many discussions, Elen's problem isn't what she knows; it's how she talks. She tends to sound like a robot and isn't sure of herself when communicating with executives. It goes something like this:

This way of speaking is confusing and dull. It doesn't add any clarity, and it makes her sound unsure. Her tone is soft, and she uses words like 'basically,' 'might,' and 'you know,' which make her sound like she's apologizing. She also would not stand up for her ideas when challenged.

Being a leader isn't just about what you do or know – it's also about how you deliver the message. I’m sure you know people around you who are great at delivering messages with confidence. Those are the ones we look up to. You can do it too. So, we've been working together to change the way she speaks and help her show her leadership potential.

Now from my personal experience, I learned this the hard way a few years back, then I took some coaching on this myself. This week, I'll share some exercises we’ve been doing with Elen to change her executive presence game.

What’s in there?

1. Embrace the Rule of 3

2. Focus on a downward tone

3. The shorter, the better!

4. Eliminate Uncertainty and Be Precise

Embrace the Rule of 3

This is a straightforward technique for structuring our ideas around three key principles. This technique simplifies the process of keeping our audience engaged and making our message more memorable. It provides a clear roadmap for our communication, making it easier for people to understand where we're heading and why.

Initially, it might feel challenging, especially if your words tend to flow continuously. However, that's precisely the point.
Implementing the Rule of 3 below transforms your communication, making you sound like a Leader everyone wants to follow and gain trust from your executives.

When to use it?

• Product review, manager 1:1, product strategy meeting, executive pitches, demos…Essentially whenever convincing and influence skills are needed.

1- Focus on a downward tone

When making a statement, lower your pitch at the end of the sentence. Avoid using "Up Speak" where you raise your pitch at the end of the sentence. Always go down with your pitch, you will sound confident, it is instantaneous.

This tip below may look like nothing but trust me, I’ve been using this for years and that changed my game.

This small yet impactful change involves altering how we conclude our sentences. I shared with Elen that when our voice rises at the end of a sentence, it can give the impression that we're asking a question or seeking approval (which let’s be honest, we do).

On the other hand, when we end with a downward tone, it conveys confidence and authority, as if we're making a statement or assigning a task. Elen discovered that this approach made a significant difference in her communication style. She now exudes confidence and decisiveness, leaving her team boosted. Previously, there was uncertainty within her team’s direction, as they couldn't distinguish between suggestions and new assignments, but now, clarity reigns.

Action items

• 🗣️ Practice using downward tone to convey confidence and assertiveness.

• 📈 Increased communication impact and clarity for teams and execs.

2. Short Communication…I mean much shorter!

As PMs we love showing off how much we know about specific topics. This is WRONG when speaking with Executives and most stakeholders, and it hurts us.