Executive Presence

March 31, 2014
Economist Hewlett argues that understanding the bias in the workplace against women and minorities is part of overcoming the bias, and that overcoming it can pay huge dividends to your career. Furthermore, as Hewlett notes: “When companies and leaders know how to harness and leverage gender, generation, ethnicity, race, culture, and nationality, there is a significant impact on the bottom line.” Hewlett shows how to achieve success through attention to appearance, speech, manner, and authenticity—a combination of elements that make up “executive presence.” The author describes how Margaret Thatcher moderated a voice perceived as shrill and earned the increased gravitas that helped her achieve political success. A financial analyst who switched from jeans and T-shirts to tailored slacks and blazers was given oversight over a major project. Meanwhile Marissa Meyer “showed she had the chops” when she changed Yahoo’s telecommuting policy, “but, regrettably, it also showed a leader out of touch with the realities other working parents contend with.” Hewlett argues that neither ruthlessness nor conforming to the dominant culture makes a great leader; rather, it’s most important to find comfort in your own skin. Hewlett’s approach is straightforward and anecdotal. A solid guide for those looking to take their career to the next level. Agent: Molly Friedrich, Friedrich Agency.

July 1, 2014

What sets leaders apart from other workers and makes people trust, promote, and listen to them? According to Hewlett (Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor: The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career), it is executive presence (EP). She writes that EP is a mix of gravitas, communication, and appearance, and that cracking this code is essential to being perceived as a leader. Hewlett examines each of these three components and offers practical advice, as well as a list of common gaffes that undermine a person's authority. Each chapter is filled with interviews and examples of people across multiple spheres of influence, such as political figures, company executives, and Hollywood stars. Hewlett includes a chapter specifically aimed at women, examining the narrow band of acceptability that female leaders have with the three components of EP and how to best navigate the tightrope. Similarly, for people whose identity isn't of the straight, white-male model, she discusses how to strike the balance between conformity and authenticity in a corporate world. VERDICT Though the substance is on the lighter side, this title is worthwhile for aspiring heads of institutions who seek to understand the blunders to avoid and what to focus on to curate an impactful presence.--Laurel Tacoma, Strayer Univ. Lib., Washington, DC

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