The Most Overlooked Leadership Skill? It Might Be Your Posture.
Oct 23, 2025Have you ever been told you need to “work on your executive presence”?
If so — this is for you.
We often think of executive presence as something abstract: confidence, charisma, gravitas. And while those things matter, there’s one underrated shift that impacts how people perceive you instantly.
Posture.
Yes — posture.
Not coaching. Not voice work. Not better slides.
Here’s what actually makes people stop and take notice when you walk into a room:
-
It’s not your title.
-
Not your clothes.
-
Not even your words.
It’s how you carry yourself.
Why Posture Signals Confidence (Even Before You Speak)
When you stand tall, shoulders back, head up — your body sends a signal the brain reads instinctively:
"This person is confident. This person has authority. This person belongs."
It’s primal.
We’re wired to associate an upright, open posture with strength, safety, and leadership.
In contrast, most people unconsciously do the opposite — especially under pressure:
-
Hunched shoulders
-
Eyes down
-
Small movements
And that body language doesn’t go unnoticed. It tells the room:
"I’m unsure. I’m protecting myself. I don’t want to be seen."
A Quick Story
On a recent trip to Paris, I decided to test this. I wasn’t dressed for impact — pretty disheveled, to be honest. But I adjusted my posture: stood tall, moved with presence, and walked into a high-end store like I belonged.
And it worked.
The shift in how I was greeted — how people engaged — was immediate.
That’s not about clothes or status. That’s posture and presence doing the heavy lifting.
Try This Before Your Next Meeting
Whether it’s a presentation, pitch, or team update — before you speak, adjust your posture:
➡️ Roll your shoulders back
➡️ Lift your head
➡️ Take up space
You don’t need to say a word.
Your posture will do it for you.
Want to Go Deeper?
Our signature team training, Elephant in the Room, helps leaders and teams build real presence from the inside out — starting with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and how we show up in every room.
Looking to shift how your team shows up?
Check out Elephant in the Room — our signature training programme for teams ready to build trust, speak honestly, and perform at a higher level.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
