A new leadership study called The Presence Project from the newly
released book "Become the Real Deal" reveals that despite the passage of
time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains a compelling example of
leadership presence and influence because he combined three qualities:
1. Inner Presence: a steadiness based on a sense of purpose greater than
yourself that doesn’t rise or fall in response to people or situations.
2. Verbal Presence: the credibility to transform rhetoric into results
by connecting, conveying and convincing others to follow.
3. Outer Presence: the agility to match your intentions with your impact
so that others are drawn to you, trust you, and respect you.
Bestselling author Connie
Dieken has spent a decade studying the root causes of why some
leaders are able to influence consistently while others are episodic in
their attempts. The Presence Project is the result of 3,500 interviews
with leaders around the globe.
Dieken says the first quality that catapulted Dr. King to real deal
status was inner presence. "Dr. King created a masterpiece on the fly
because he was in the zone, centered on his values and a purpose greater
than himself. I believe the sea of people inspired him to veer
off-script. Any insightful leader can do this by aligning your values
and purpose with your audience's values," says Dieken.
The study identifies verbal presence as the second quality. "Dr. King
was both a wordsmith and a remarkable public speaker. Clearly, he had
incredible communication skills. But surprisingly, eloquence is
optional," says Dieken, a senior executive coach who helps leaders
deliver influential presentations. "The key to verbal presence is to
identify your ideal outcome before opening your mouth. What,
specifically, do you want your audience to do or believe? Everything you
communicate should erase doubt and drive your audience toward that
outcome."
Outer presence is the third key. "Outer presence is not what you look
like – it's how you make people feel. This is where the study results
really threw me for a loop," says Dieken. "87% of the leaders in The
Presence Project reported that people often misunderstood their
intentions and responded poorly to them as a result. People frequently
identified them as angry, disinterested, or snooty, even when they were
not." Dieken says.
Dr. King's outer presence on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on that
hot August day in 1963 was a welcome surprise to a tense White House.
Combat troops were standing by, expecting violence. Martial law orders
were waiting for President Kennedy's signature. But leaders of the March
on Washington ensured a peaceful experience that day. Dr. King's
demeanor was both calm and confident. As a result, his televised speech
both made history – and changed it.
Today's leaders are faced with a 21st century paradox. "We're living in
a world that demands perfection, but craves authenticity," Dieken notes.
"People are impatient, impulsive, distracted and demanding. That's why
it's crucial for leaders to be – and to be seen as – the real deal.
Everything is at stake – your stability, credibility and likability.
Combine inner, verbal and outer presence and, like Dr. King, you'll
crack the code and become a leader known as the real deal."
