Own the Room - Present Yourself With Confidence

Hi Everyone,

By now, we’ve all made our entrance into the new year, and amidst our resolutions and fresh starts, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how we present ourselves in the moment, how we 'own' our space. After all, to quote from a wonderful David Whyte poem "You are not an accident."

As Amy Cuddy points out, "Your body language shapes who you are." So, dear Blog readers, why not take a moment right now to resolve this year to stand tall, smile more, make good eye contact, and broaden your stance – because that confident stance isn't just reserved for the movies.

Now, you may be wondering, why is owning your space so crucial?  Harvard Business School studies show us that a strong physical presence is non-negotiable for being perceived as a competent, credible, trustworthy leader. And London Business School and UC Berkeley backs this up. These attributes are our ticket to new opportunities and  leadership roles you might covet. Projecting confidence isn’t merely a bonus – it’s your strategic advantage.

But there’s one important thing to keep in mind: owning your space goes beyond just making a good impression on others.  It’s about fortifying who you are as a leader. As Robin Sharma says "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

We can't effectively do that if we're not comfortable in our own skin. We all grapple with self-doubt and can feel a bit shaky in the spotlight, but as we step into the new year, let’s make a commitment to ourselves and those we lead to present ourselves with confidence.

In the spirit of authenticity, it’s crucial to step confidently into that boardroom or team meeting, own our space, and let others witness the composed, convincing, and authentic leader within.  After all, leadership is a responsibility, and the way we carry ourselves impacts not just us, but everyone around us.

So, here’s to owning our space in 2024! 🚀💼  Remember, you are meant to be in the room.

#OwnYourSpace #LeadershipMastery #LeadershipPresence #BodyLanguage