Leadership Presence: It’s Not About Being the Loudest in the Room
“Leadership presence.”
It’s one of those phrases that gets thrown around in workplace conversations – often alongside words like “gravitas,” “impact,” or “commanding the room.” And if you’re anything like the leaders I coach, it might make you wonder: “Am I supposed to be more dominant?” “Do I need to act a certain way to be taken seriously?” Or even, “Do I have to fake confidence I don’t actually feel?”
Let me say this upfront: leadership presence isn’t about performing.
It’s not about being likeable, on-point, or always having the answer. It’s about how you show up when it matters – with clarity, steadiness, and a sense of being rooted in who you are.
And in case you are wondering, yes, you can develop it, without tying yourself in knots trying to be someone you’re not.
So what is leadership presence, really?
One of the best explanations I’ve come across is from Amy Cuddy, author of Presence. She talks about bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges. It’s not about puffing yourself up, but it’s about letting yourself be seen as the true you.
Cuddy’s work shows how our body language and mindset can shape how we feel, not just how we’re seen. When we’re present – and I mean truly present – our communication lands better, we handle pressure with more calm, and we build trust faster.
And people notice.
That’s the essence of leadership presence – not perfection, but authenticity.
Not a performance, but a connection. And that’s exactly what builds your credibility.
If you're a newer leader or even an experienced manager who sometimes feels overlooked or under pressure to “get it right,” this is a game-changer.
What leadership presence is – and what it isn’t
Let’s clear up a few common myths, because they come up a lot in coaching sessions:
It’s not about being extroverted. Quiet leaders can have immense presence.
It’s not about dominating meetings. Presence isn’t about airtime – it’s about how you hold space.
It’s not about saying clever things. It’s about saying the thing that matters – with intention.
Leadership presence is about showing up in alignment with your values, staying steady when things feel shaky, and creating a ripple effect where others feel more secure and focused around you.
The long and short of it all is it’s that feeling people get when they trust you’ll lead with clarity, not confusion.
And that feeling is built from within.
How to build your leadership presence in a way that feels real
Here are some practical ways to build your leadership presence without acting like someone you’re not:
1. Anchor in your values
If you know what matters to you, it’s easier to lead with integrity.
Before tricky conversations or meetings, pause and remind yourself what you stand for.
This internal compass helps you show up grounded and consistent – especially under pressure.
2. Use your body as a signal
Your body speaks before your mouth does.
Shoulders back, feet grounded, open gestures – it’s not about posing, it’s about signalling “I’m here and I’m ready.”
Cuddy’s research shows that how you physically show up affects how you feel and how others perceive you.
3. Breathe before you speak
Sounds simple, but it’s powerful.
A breath gives you a second to land your thoughts and regulate your energy.
This small pause helps you speak with more clarity and listen with more presence.
4. Don’t rush to fill the silence
New leaders often feel they need to respond instantly or have an opinion on everything.
But strong presence includes comfort with quiet.
Pausing or saying, “Let me reflect on that” can demonstrate more confidence than a knee-jerk response.
5. Show your working out
Being present doesn’t mean you hide uncertainty – it means you handle it with openness.
“I don’t know yet, but I’m finding out” is a legitimate leadership answer. It builds trust and models realness.
6. Ask for feedback from people who’ll be honest
You don’t need to guess how your presence lands. Ask trusted colleagues or your coach: When I’m at my best, what do you notice about how I show up? When I’m under pressure, what changes?
Why this matters for leaders like you
If you’re in a leadership role, especially if you’re newer to it, you’ve probably wrestled with that inner voice that says “I’m not ready” or “People are going to see right through me.” And when that self-doubt kicks in, it’s easy to overcompensate: speak more, do more, prove more.
But real leadership presence comes from doing less, not more.
It’s about trusting that how you show up is enough, and allowing that calm, steady energy to ripple into the room.
Your team feels it.
Your peers notice it.
And you begin to feel more in control, not because you're forcing it – but because you're leading from your centre.
If this resonates, you might enjoy this blog I wrote on ‘Leadershipping’, which explores how we can lead in a more human, confident, and compassionate way.
And if you're working through self-doubt or navigating the shift from doer to leader, there’s plenty more support for you in my world. You might also wish to explore this blog on leadership strategies to help you remain calm under pressure.
Start today with a gentle reflection:
“What kind of presence do I want to bring into my leadership? And what’s one thing I can shift to make that real, today?”
If you’d like some more support, you might want to sign up for a Leadership SOS Power Hour, available this June.
