Executive Presence

About the Author

Harrison Monarth is the founder and president of GuruMaker, a global communications consulting firm that aids Fortune 500 executives, international politicians, and other high-level professionals in mastering persuasion, image management, and media leveraging. He is also the co-author of the New York Times bestseller The Confident Speaker. Residing in Denver, Colorado, Monarth has established himself as an expert in perception management and executive presence.

Main Idea

Executive Presence: The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO by Harrison Monarth delves into the critical difference between successful CEOs and those aspiring to be leaders. The book emphasizes that executive presence is not about intelligence, connections, or luck. It is about how one is perceived and the reputation one manages within an organization. Monarth provides techniques for developing leadership communication skills that command respect and inspire others to share the leader's vision. He argues that anyone with the will to succeed can harness these skills to advance their career.

Table of Contents

• The Natural Laws of Perception
• Developing Your Social Intelligence
• How to Read People and Predict Behavior
• Mastering the Art of Storytelling
• Changing Behaviors and Attitudes
• Managing Interpersonal Conflict
• Google's Buy-In Strategy
• Holding Difficult Conversations
• Personal Branding
• Using Media to Enhance Reputation

The Natural Laws of Perception

We live in a society where pitching—persuading, selling, lobbying—is fundamental. Our perception is shaped through a neurological process where sensory information is filtered and assigned meaning. This process is pivotal in how others see us and how we manage our image. Monarth states, "Pitching is the lifeblood of law, politics, and romance, the fundamental stuff of human interaction."

The Path to Perception

The way we are perceived by others is a product of specific neurological processes. Information taken in by our senses is filtered and processed by mental mechanisms, each with different criteria and rationales. This understanding helps us manage how we are perceived and allows us to craft our image effectively.

Developing Your Social Intelligence

Social intelligence (SI) is crucial for managerial success. Monarth emphasizes that SI is not just about being nice but involves understanding and responding to others effectively. Karl Albrecht defines five dimensions of SI: presence, clarity, awareness, authenticity, and empathy.