Module 2: Leadership Presence – Focused, Competent, Intentional

Lead with awareness and confidence through emotional regulation and mindful presence in every interaction.

📘 Introduction, Objectives & Overview

Welcome to Module 2 of the CSLDP.

Leadership presence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about how you show up, how people experience you, and the signals you send through your actions, tone, and energy.

This module unpacks the core elements of presence that build credibility, trust, and influence, whether you’re leading a meeting, handling tension, or inspiring your team.

We will explore what presence really means, how to project confidence without arrogance, and why consistency between your values, communication, and behaviours is critical. You’ll reflect on how you’re currently perceived, learn to recognise and control unspoken signals, and build a presence that feels both powerful and authentic.

By the end of this module, you’ll have greater awareness of the impact you create and practical tools to lead with calm authority, even under pressure.

By the end of this module, you will:
  • Understand what leadership presence is and why it matters at every level
  • Recognise how body language, tone, and behaviour influence perception and trust
  • Identify gaps between your intent and the impact you have on others
  • Learn practical techniques to project confidence, clarity, and calm
  • Develop strategies to lead with authenticity and emotional steadiness under pressure
  • Build self-awareness around how you show up in key moments
  • Strengthen your ability to influence without needing authority or volume

🎬 Module 2 Video Introduction

Watch this short introduction as we outline the core concepts of this module, why they matter, and what to focus on as you move through the content.

📌 Tip: Take notes while watching or jot down a question or challenge it raises. You will reference it during your reflections and coaching session.

“The essence of leadership is not giving things or even providing visions. It is offering oneself and one's spirit.”

— Lee Bolman

📝 Recommended Blog Reads

After viewing the video, work through the core concepts and key information below in our blogs specifically selected for this module. These ideas will form the foundation for your understanding and application of this module’s themes.

Take your time to absorb the content, and consider how you can apply it in your role and daily leadership practice.

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The Importance of Leadership Support in Coaching

Personal and professional development is critical to the ongoing success and growth for any leader. There are many aspects that will make this development even more effective and sustainable, particularly when participating in coaching. High on this list of attributes

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Conversations With Leaders: Wes Davis

Different industries require subtle differences in style and how leaders impact their teams and results. As part of our occasional series chatting with industry leaders, we recently spoke with engineer and senior leader, Wes Davis. His story is an interesting

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📦 Module Resources

📌 Note: the Leadership Traits, Skills & Attributes assessment mentioned in the video is available to coachees in the Elevation and Mastery tiers only, and will be provided separately.

Explore the additional tools and resources below. These have been curated to extend your learning, deepen your reflection, and help you apply the core concepts from this module. Your coach will discuss these further with you during your coaching session.

📌 Note: The resources and tools highlighted in green are compulsory to complete and/or apply before your next coaching session.

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HBR 10 Leadership Must Reads

Open Document
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Coaching Conversation Planner

Open Planner
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SCARF: Understanding Human Behaviour

Access Website

🎧 Podcast Feature: Executive Presence

In this episode, Daniel and Peter explore how executive presence has evolved, what it truly means today, and how leaders can build credibility and confidence in how they show up.

They unpack a modern model of executive presence and highlight how decision-making and credibility shape how others experience our leadership.

✓ What a modern version of executive presence looks like

✓ How effective decision-making strengthens your leadership presence

✓ The #1 thing leaders can do to build professional credibility

This conversation reinforces that presence is more than appearance. It’s about consistently showing up with intention, confidence, and integrity to drive both people and business outcomes.

🎧 Bonus Insight & Summary for Module 2

Module 2 Summary

Key Message: Leadership presence is about how others experience you, which is a reflection of your intent, mindset, and consistent behaviours. Note: the Leadership Traits, Attributes & Skills Assessment mentioned is available in the Elevation and Mastery tiers.

Consider:

  • Do I show up with clarity and focus, or am I often reactive and distracted?
  • Am I building trust through consistent, intentional actions that align with my values?
  • How do my behaviours signal competence and calm under pressure?

💬 Reflection Questions

Reflection is a critical part of leadership growth. Take time to thoughtfully answer the questions below. There are no "right" answers.

This is about building your self-awareness, connecting the concepts to your real-world experiences, and preparing for action.

Take a few moments to reflect on these questions:

  • When people experience me as a leader, what three words would they likely use to describe my presence?
  • In high-pressure or emotionally charged moments, how aligned are my tone, body language, and values?

✅ Action & Commitments

What are you committing to practice between now and your next session?

Leadership growth comes through action. Considering your reading, notes and references from this module, make a personal commitment to apply what you’ve learned in practice.

These questions are designed to drive engagement, accountability and continuous development, ensuring that your coaching program delivers real value. Small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Your leadership journey continues with what you choose to do next.

Answer the questions below to define the actions you are going to take forward into your role between now and your next coaching session.

Q1: Style Adjustments

What specific adjustment can I make this week in how I enter meetings or conversations to project calm, confidence, and clarity more consistently?
(e.g., slowing my breathing, making deliberate eye contact, grounding with a values-based intention)

Who is a leader I admire for their presence, and what two behaviours of theirs could I consciously practise or adopt in my own leadership style?

What key insights or realisations have I had since we last met, that impact my leadership, mindset, or performance?
How can I use these insights to improve how I lead, communicate, or make decisions?

What obstacles or barriers am I currently facing, and what are my options for overcoming them?
Have I sought feedback or explored alternative perspectives? What’s one thing I can do differently?

What commitments will I make before our next session to drive meaningful progress?
How will I hold myself accountable, and what support or resources do I need?

What questions, thoughts, or agenda items will I bring to my next coaching session?
How will I hold myself accountable, and what support or resources do I need?

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