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The Leadership Lie: Promotions Don’t Always Go to the Most Talented
🚨 Let’s get real—how many times have you watched someone less qualified than you move up the ladder while you keep putting in the work, hoping to be noticed?
Here’s the truth: Promotions don’t always go to the smartest or hardest-working people.
They go to the ones who LOOK and ACT like leaders before they ever get the title.
💡 FACT: 78% of executives say "executive presence" matters more than technical skills when choosing who to promote (McKinsey 2024).
💡 FACT: Women who project confidence get 56% more leadership opportunities—even when their work performance is the same as their male peers (Harvard Business Review 2023).
Translation? It’s not just what you do—it’s how you show up while doing it.
If you want to be seen as a leader, you need to start showing up like one.
🔥 The 3 Executive Presence Moves That Will Change Your Career
1️⃣ The 2-Second Power Pause: Speak with Authority, Not Hesitation
📢 Ever notice how the most confident leaders don’t rush to fill silence? They pause. They take their time before responding, signaling control and confidence.
TRY THIS:
✔ Next time you're in a meeting, pause for two full seconds before responding.
✔ Drop the filler words (“I think,” “I just wanted to say,” “Sorry, but…”)—replace them with clear, direct statements.
✔ Own your space: Slow down, speak with intention, and let your words carry weight.
🔥 RESULT? You instantly come across as more confident, competent, and powerful.
2️⃣ Own Your Space: Posture, Voice, and Eye Contact That Command the Room
🚨 Your body language speaks before you do. And if your energy says “I don’t belong here”—guess what? Leadership will believe it.
💡 Research shows that confident posture increases perceived leadership ability by 36% (Forbes, 2024).
TRY THIS:
✔ Stand tall. Uncross your arms, take up space.
✔ Make direct eye contact. Look people in the eye when you speak. No more looking down at notes or fidgeting.
✔ Use the "power stance." Feet planted, shoulders back—sit and stand like you BELONG.
🔥 RESULT? You send an instant message to leadership: “I am in control, and I am ready to lead.”
3️⃣ Upgrade Your Digital Presence: Your LinkedIn Should Match Your Leadership Level
Let’s talk about that outdated LinkedIn profile, sis. Your digital presence is just as important as how you show up in the office.
💡 FACT: 71% of recruiters and hiring managers say a strong LinkedIn presence is a major factor in leadership hiring decisions (LinkedIn 2023).
TRY THIS:
✔ Update your headline—it should say what you DO and where you're GOING, not just your job title. Example: “Operations Leader | Driving Efficiency & Growth” instead of just “Operations Manager.”
✔ Start posting 1-2x per week—share insights, highlight achievements, or repost leadership content. (No, lurking isn’t enough.)
✔ Engage with senior leaders. Like, comment, and interact with executives at your company so your name starts showing up in their notifications.
🔥 RESULT? You start getting noticed—and not just for the job you have, but for the job you WANT.
🔥 The Bottom Line: If You Want the Title, Start Acting Like You Have It
Too many brilliant women are waiting to be tapped on the shoulder for leadership. But guess what? The tap isn’t coming.
🔥 You don’t ASK for a leadership presence—you BUILD it.
✅ Stop shrinking. Start taking up space.
✅ Stop over-explaining. Start speaking with authority.
✅ Stop waiting to be noticed. Show them what they’re missing.
👑 And if you want to take your executive presence to the NEXT LEVEL? Join my free training, “Stop Struggling, Start Thriving,” where I’ll teach you exactly how to show up, stand out, and secure your next promotion—without burnout.
📍 Read the full details & register here → https://danalcox.fixcoaching.com/training.html