Overview
This programme explores the essential characteristics and behaviours that define leadership presence—the ability to project confidence, influence others, and inspire trust and respect. Participants will examine the nine key dimensions of leadership presence and learn how to strengthen their personal impact through communication, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. The session focuses on practical self-assessment and action planning, enabling leaders to enhance their executive presence and credibility in both physical and digital environments. Through guided reflection and interactive discussion, participants will build the awareness and tools needed to lead with composure, clarity, and authenticity.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- Experience in a leadership, management, or team development role.
- A willingness to reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth.
- Openness to feedback and commitment to self-improvement.
Target audience
This programme is designed for:
- Leaders and aspiring leaders who wish to strengthen their executive presence and personal influence.
- Managers seeking to develop confidence and credibility when leading teams or representing their organisation.
- Professionals navigating leadership in digital or hybrid environments.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- Intentionally develop their leadership presence by applying the nine core characteristics.
- Create a personal baseline for self-reflection and identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
- Recognise and address common challenges that affect leadership presence in modern, digital workplaces.
- Strengthen communication and emotional intelligence to enhance authenticity and trust.
- Apply strategies for maintaining gravitas, confidence, and resilience under pressure.
- Design and implement a personalised leadership development and action plan.
What will the course cover?
Understanding leadership presence
- Defining leadership presence and its organisational significance
- Exploring the nine key characteristics of presence
- Assessing personal impact and identifying areas for development
Authenticity and vision
- Articulating a compelling and authentic leadership vision
- Aligning personal values with organisational goals
- Building trust through transparent and empathetic communication
Confidence and charisma
- Demonstrating composure and self-assurance in high-stakes situations
- Cultivating charisma and positive influence through body language and tone
- Managing self-doubt and building confidence through preparation and mindset
Emotional intelligence and communication mastery
- Developing emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Enhancing listening and feedback skills
- Communicating with clarity, empathy, and authority
Gravitas and executive presence
- Understanding the components of gravitas—credibility, calm, and conviction
- Modelling professional conduct and strategic thinking
- Demonstrating authority while remaining approachable and collaborative
Resilience and adaptability
- Managing stress, pressure, and uncertainty with resilience
- Maintaining authenticity during organisational change
- Adapting leadership presence for digital, remote, and hybrid contexts
Leadership presence challenges
- Identifying barriers to authentic presence in modern leadership
- Recognising unconscious bias, communication blockers, and confidence gaps
- Implementing practical strategies for overcoming presence-related challenges
Building an action plan
- Establishing a personal roadmap for continuous development
- Applying the nine leadership presence characteristics to long-term growth
- Embedding reflection and feedback as ongoing leadership habits
Exams and assessments
There are no formal examinations for this programme. Participants will complete guided self-assessments, peer feedback activities, and reflective exercises designed to reinforce self-awareness and measure progress against leadership presence goals.
Hands-on learning
This interactive session uses case-based exercises, personal reflection tools, and group discussions to deepen understanding of leadership presence. Learners will receive structured feedback, practise communication scenarios, and design actionable development plans aligned with their leadership context.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.