Cracking the Code to Executive Presence

Cracking the Code to Executive Presence By Dr. Claire Muselman Cracking the Code to Executive Presence By Dr. Claire Muscleman In the world of insurance and financial services—a sector known for its competitive nature and high-stakes decisions—having an executive presence is not just an option; it is a requirement. Unfortunately, few are given a playbook to master this intangible yet invaluable skill. Today, let us change that! First Impressions: The Third of a Second Rule Did you know that within the first third of a second of meeting someone, you have already decided whether you like them? This initial judgement often stems from their body language and energy. It is crucial to walk into a room confidently—shoulders back, head high, and with a warm, inviting smile. Ladies, embody that Big, Dynamic Energy (BDE); if you do not know what that means, ask a friend! 😉 Likability Matters: The Power of a Smile One smile often sparks another. The ripple effect of a genuine, vibrant smile can set the tone for the entire interaction. Not only does smiling make you more likable, but it also enhances your overall presence. It is a simple yet powerful way to engage and connect, especially in the professional sphere. Active Listening: The Gift of Opportunity Listening is an art. Reflective and active listening techniques allow you to truly engage with others. By pausing and giving your conversation partner a moment to think and respond, you are offering them a valuable gift—the gift of opportunity. This creates an inviting, participatory dialogue, rather than a monopolized conversation. The Thomas Edison Effect: The Favor Principle Interestingly, people are more likely to like you if they do a favor for you. This psychological phenomenon is known as the Thomas Edison Effect. So do not hesitate to ask for small favors when appropriate; it is a nuanced way to build rapport. The Magic of Eye Contact Eye contact is another non-verbal cue that commands attention. When conversing, focus on the other person’s eye color (without mentioning it). This will deepen the connection and make your interactions more memorable. It also helps your brain shift away from thinking about staring at the person uncomfortably and can soften your gaze. The Golden Rule: A Marker of Character Pay attention to how people treat those who can offer them nothing. This is a telltale sign of their character and whether you should invest your energy in them. How you leave people feeling is the end all be all of integrity, and it matters. Negotiation Tactics: Time is Your Friend Do not rush. Make your statement, pause, and let it sink in. Use silence as a tool to help solidify your position. Take a breath and know you are grounded in the statement you have presented. The Power of Teaching Sharing knowledge not only boosts your own understanding but also adds to your executive presence. Remember the mantra: See one, Do one, Teach one. I owe this one to Dr. Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy. She is so wise and also, she is right! Everyone’s Favorite Subject: Themselves When you are trying to build rapport, ask people questions about themselves. This gives you a chance to listen actively and makes the other person feel valued. This can be done well with open ended questions allowing people the opportunity to expand their thoughts. Mood Management: It’s Your Choice Your mood is a choice, not just an emotional state. If you find yourself in a bad mood, a simple trick like smiling for three minutes can flip the script. You can also throw on a song that lifts your spirits for a quick endorphin spike. Want a bigger impact? Dance it out. The movement, coupled with movement will release some of the feel-good chemicals in our brain to change your mood. Providing Options: A Sense of Control If you need someone to make a choice, offer options. This grants them a sense of control, making them more likely to cooperate. This is not only an effective method for children with vegetables (would you like carrots or peas), it is incredibly helpful with adults, especially those Type A personalities. The Power of ‘Because’: Justification Matters If you are making a request, using the word “because” can increase the chances of it being granted. Providing a reason adds weight to your ask. People have a better grasp on information if they understand the why behind an ask and are also more likely to buy in to what is being presented. Final Thoughts: Talk Kindly to Yourself Last but not certainly not least, your self-talk matters. Boost your confidence by giving yourself three compliments every day while you look yourself in the mirror. This practice not only enhances your self-esteem but also fortifies your executive presence. For bonus points, end with a high-five. Trust me, it matters. Related Posts

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Hi By Dr. Claire Muselman Hi, I’m Claire! Hello, radiant souls, and welcome to my blog. Great to meet you! My name is Dr. Claire Muselman, and if you are reading this, you are probably curious about who I am and what I bring to the table. Well, grab a cup of your favorite brew and I will gladly share my innovative trail of sparkle with you! Who Am I? I hail from the heartland of America—Iowa, to be precise. My mission in life can be summed up quite simply: making good things happen for people. Yes, that means YOU! I have a knack for breaking down complex subjects into digestible insights. Why? Because I believe that the best decisions are made when we are well-informed. And guess what? Sometimes, the difference between feeling stuck and soaring high is just one perspective shift away. A Taste of Glitter If you are looking for conventional advice, this blog might not be your jam. I like to sprinkle a little glitter on everything I do. Whether it is through enlightening research, life lessons, or wisdom from others, each blog post aims to add some sparkle to your life. The world can get pretty heavy and can be dark from time to time which is why I like to amplify the world with some sparkle, shine, and positivity. From Workers’ Comp to Leadership Brilliance Professionally, I have built a reputation as an innovator in workers’ compensation and risk management. Through nearly two decades in the insurance landscape, my consulting firm, DCM, and as COO of WorkersCompensation.com, I work tirelessly to champion meaningful change. My voice echoes not just within the confines of my industry but also in academia as a Professor of Practice and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership at Drake University. Wrapping all of this up into a sparkly package, I publicly speak on a plethora of topics to get people excited about the position they have, the potential they hold, and what we can do to make the world better for one another. More Than Just Words I have been in this corporate game for nearly two decades, and in that time, I have founded initiatives like the Workers’ Recovery Unit and the Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence. I am also a media contributor to multiple platforms such as BLOOM, WorkersCompensation.com, WorkCompCentral, Captive.com, am the former co-host of ADJUSTED, a claims podcast, and a mentor for Rising Insurance Star Executives (RISE). When I say I am passionate, I have the credentials to back it up! Inclusivity and Diversity We cannot talk about meaningful change without addressing inclusivity, which is why I advocate for gender diversity through my involvement in organizations like the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation (AWWC), Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), Women Lead Change (WLC), Professional Women for Good, and the Kind Souls Foundation. Let’s face it, a more inclusive world is a better world for us all. What to Expect In this blog, we will explore a myriad of topics that will empower you to take charge of your life—professionally and personally. From self-advocacy tips to leadership insights, every post is designed to offer you practical advice peppered with a dash of flair! Ready to Shine? Here we are, at the intersection of purpose and possibility. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Let’s create ripples of positive change together and make the world a more sparkly place to live. I believe tomorrow can be better than it is today and YOU have the power to make it so. See you in the next post! Related Posts