Have you ever heard others describe someone as having real “presence”? Someone who when they talk, people stop and listen; someone who can influence others seemingly without effort; someone with an aura about them that commands respect. We might make a decent go of describing how we feel when we are with someone like this; but if we were asked to define what the characteristics, competencies or facets that combine to convey “presence,” I suspect most of us would struggle. I know I did.
Until I came across Bates Model of Executive Presence. The Bates Model is a validated instrument that leadership development and coaching practitioners can utilise to first make the elusive and vague nature of presence definable and then assist leaders to understand how they can enhance the impact of their presence.
The model employs three primary dimensions, and each dimension has five facets making a total of fifteen facets.
Character: This dimension encompasses personality-based dispositions related to moral development, temperament, and interpersonal relationships. Key facets include Authenticity, Integrity, Concern, Restraint, and Humility.
Substance: This dimension focuses on the cultivated qualities of adult development specific to executive leadership. It includes Practical Wisdom, Vision, Confidence, Composure, and Resonance.
Style: This dimension involves active and iterative qualities that shape the leader’s presence and impact. It includes Appearance, Intentionality, Interactivity, Inclusiveness, and Assertiveness.
If you’re interested in seeing the detailed definitions for each of the fifteen facets, you’ll be able to access them through the following link:
