Liderazgo: (Leadership Presence)

by Harvard Business Review

La mayoría de los líderes consideran la "presencia ejecutiva" como un factor decisivo en las promociones y ascensos. Pero, ¿en qué consiste esa virtud tan ambigua y cómo se desarrolla?. De la mano de especialistas de Harvard Business Review, en este libro se explica cómo es posible forjar el carisma, la seguridad y la determinación que proyectan los grandes líderes. Tanto si estás realizando una exposición decisiva como si diriges una reunión tensa, te sentirás preparado para abordar cualquier situación con renovada confianza. Many leaders consider "executive presence" a make-or-break factor in high-powered promotions. But what is this elusive quality, and how do you develop it? This book explains how to build the charisma, confidence, and decisiveness that top leaders project. Whether you're delivering a critical presentation or managing a hectic meeting, you'll be inspired to approach the situation with new strength.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychology, Personal Growth, Self Help

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2019

Reviews

[Yanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had kept this box set to read and reflect during my week long break from work. I particularly like the format with different amazing articles curated under the title. This is much better than a bunch of books dragged from these articles one each. :)

I liked that some terms that are commonly used in corporate setup are clearly explained.For ex, what does it mean to develop strategic voice?-It is breaking department boundaries, developing a big picture, maintaining calm presence under stressful situation, clearly articulating the vision and setting direction for the team.

Some tips for new managers- a. Set value based goal before taking up a new role in addition to the business deliverables. What do you want to stand for? What kind of leader you aspire to be? What do you ant to be remembered for?b. Develop situational awareness for better decision making and communication.

I also found some of the following tips very useful basis my strength and opportunities.

1. Pay equal attention to warmth and competence. Warmth is highly underestimated. We tend to look for warmth in our leaders and colleagues while we continue to focus on our competence. Strike a balance between “hard”and “soft”skills. “Soft” skills- What a misnomer!

2. Under stress - feel supported (It is a choice- whether to feel victimized or to feel supported), ask for help (people with high work ethic get all the support and help that they need. When we feel supported, it is easier to stand our ground in a non-confrontational way. It is easier to exhibit warmth then. It is all the more important to be worm while being competent for women to be successful.

3. Be clear and direct always with respect while managing conflict.

4. One can be “too charismatic”. Strike a balance between short term execution and building long term vision

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the most recent studies emphasizing: the critical difference between a leader’s actual confidence and a style/context that allows or doesn’t allow expression of that confidence; gender diverse assumptions in determining perception of a leader’s actual confidence; the importance of communication styles (body language and tone/speed of voice) in determining a leader’s effectiveness; and, the fundamental importance of beginning with making connection/sympathy with others before showing competence in leadership.

[Christie Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from my boss and found it to be full of solid management advice (based on my limited experience with management). It’s written in clear, practical terms and put into words a lot of things that I feel like I knew, but may not have been able to articulate as well as the book did.

[Brandon Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essays within this collection are well worth the read. It only took me about two hours to get through it and dissect the text. It has a lot of condensed ideas that are easy to use.

[Daniel Ottenwalder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leadership presence is about projecting calm, competence, and confidence, especially under pressure. It’s the sense that you can handle unpredictable situations, make decisions quickly, and hold your ground with peers and superiors. It’s not style or performance—it’s substance and composure.

To build it, start with awareness. Ask trusted people for feedback on how you show up—your tone, your posture, the confidence you project. Identify the qualities that already work for you and lean into them. The goal is to be grounded and steady, not perfect.

New managers often struggle with the signals they send. Clarity and respect go further than trying to sound impressive. Be direct. State what you mean. Listen before reacting. When you have to deliver bad news, be calm and measured. Don’t let emotion dictate the tone. People watch how you carry difficult information more than what you actually say. Stability earns long-term trust.

Everything you say should match the context. Know your role in the room and why you’re there. Speak with a view that connects your work to the broader enterprise. Talk about relationships, strategy, and outcomes, not just your function. Offer solutions, not just problems. Stay calm in pressure situations so others can anchor on your energy.

Great leadership balances warmth and strength. It’s not about being feared or loved—it’s about being both trusted and respected. People subconsciously ask two questions when they meet you: What are this person’s intentions toward me, and can they actually deliver? Warmth answers the first, competence answers the second. If you have one without the other, you either come off as weak or intimidating. The ideal mix earns admiration and loyalty.

Warmth comes from vulnerability and inclusion. Make people feel seen and part of something. Smile when it’s genuine. Be open about challenges but confident in the path forward. Strength comes from stillness and command—knowing who you are, standing tall, and moving with intention. Stillness signals control. Confidence is contagious when it’s real.

The best leaders are chemically balanced between high testosterone and low cortisol. They’re assertive but not anxious. They take risks but stay even-tempered under stress. They’re “happy warriors,” reassuring in crises because they believe things will work out.

Communication style determines who gets heard. Everyone speaks differently—some direct, some reflective, some fast, some measured. Misunderstandings often come from tone and pacing, not content. The most effective communicators adapt. They meet people where they are without losing their own clarity.

Charisma can help but can also go too far. Presence isn’t about charm. It’s about balance—strategic empathy paired with control. People don’t follow charisma forever. They follow steadiness, conviction, and trust.

Key Lessons
1. Presence is calm under pressure, not flash.
2. Be direct, clear, and respectful.
3. Match your message to the moment.
4. Balance warmth and strength—trust and competence.
5. Show inclusion and vulnerability, but move with intention.
6. Stay level-headed when things get tough.
7. Adapt your communication style to others.
8. Charisma fades—credibility and steadiness last.

[PABLO ANTONETTI · Rating 3 out of 5]

​Esta compilación de artículos sobre Liderazgo de la prestigiosa Harvard Business Review (HBR) ofrece una lectura interesante y ciertamente útil, repleta de consejos prácticos y casos de estudio bien presentados. Como era de esperar de HBR, la calidad de la escritura y la profundidad de la investigación en cada capítulo son consistentemente altas.
​El libro es un buen recurso para quienes buscan una visión general de las diversas facetas del liderazgo, tocando temas como la inteligencia emocional, la gestión del cambio y la creación de equipos de alto rendimiento. Encontré que muchos de los artículos individuales brindan excelentes "tips" y herramientas que se pueden aplicar de inmediato en un entorno profesional.
​Mi calificación de tres estrellas se debe principalmente a que esperaba bastante más de una publicación de este calibre, especialmente llevando el sello de Harvard Business. Si bien es una colección de gran valor, a menudo se siente como una recopilación de grandes éxitos ya conocidos en el mundo de la gestión. Para un lector con cierta experiencia en el ámbito del liderazgo o que ya haya consumido mucha literatura sobre el tema, la mayor parte del contenido no ofrece una perspectiva verdaderamente novedosa o rompedora que te haga repensar completamente tu enfoque.
​En resumen, es un libro de consulta sólido y una buena inversión si necesitas una inyección de conocimiento fundamental y táctico sobre liderazgo. Simplemente no esperes la "bala de plata" o el análisis de vanguardia que podría diferenciarlo de otras publicaciones de gestión de alta calidad. Es bueno, pero no excepcional.

[Heber Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un resumen muy fácil de leer, bastante preciso y con muchas claves para el día a día. Esas herramientas para poner en práctica con nuestros equipos de trabajo y nuestros socios.
Destaco:
- Mantener relaciones estratégicas con personas fuera del equipo o área funcional para entender cómo podría ayudarle desde mi área para el logro global de la organización.
- Las investigaciones sugieren que la mejor forma de influir y liderar empieza por la amabilidad, pese que muchas organizaciones y líderes mantienen el enfoque Maquiavelo de es preferible ser temido a querido, los lugares de trabajo donde hay confianza es donde todo el equipo van juntos por cumplir el objetivo.
- El carisma como forma de convencer y atraer, puede ser un arma de doble filo, porque tiende asociarse a líderes de rangos altos, que son vistos más estratégicos y menos operativos, ya que en sus coaching en piso, promueven el logro de los objetivos globales descuidando los KPIs diarios/operativos.

[Fabio Bertone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for new leaders

I liked reading the collection of articles. They give different angles and inspiration.

As with most "leadership" literature, there is some lack of meat on the bone. But, still good advice: preparation trumps improvisation, emphaty and listening are important.

It could work have covered more (or less, avoiding stereotypes) diversity and gender-specific communication styles.

[Lucía Undari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qué delicia esos ensayos que combinan autores en una recopilación concisa y concreta. A pesar del indudable sesgo que supone la afiliación a Harvard, se agradece la multiplicidad de perfiles y opiniones, así como diferentes enfoques, culturas, y géneros.

Me lo he leído en una mañana y ha sido tremendamente interesante!!

[Marthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit boek bestaat uit enkele (op) wetenschappelijke artikelen (gebaseerde) artikelen, allemaal in relatie tot de titel. Voor mij was vooral het hoofdstuk mbt taalgebruik en de manier waarop mensen spreken (en vooral de verschillen daarin) interessant, er kwamen een paar aha-momenten voor. Omdat overal de bronnen duidelijk bij staan, kun je de verschillende onderwerpen makkelijk verder onderzoeken.

[Vinay Nagaraju · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly nice and quick read - normally I'm biased about HBR articles and treat them as boring. This was a good compilation to remind us what classifies as leadership, our perception around this and confidence. Also some very interesting thoughts about vulnerability and leadership - how they may not always go in support of each other.

[Edisa Noemí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was easy. Short, brief and concise, straight to the point. Very useful for junior leaders and managers with punctual advice for a sort of different situations.

I also loved the cultural explanations of differences between male and female leadership styles.

[Bruno Bastos Oliva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highlight: the Happy Warrior, combines warmth, strength, control, and serenity.
Warmth contributes significantly to others' valuation of us, and it is judged before competence. Research suggests that to influence and lead, warmth is the conduit.

[Javier Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 clear and concise leadership research findings that reveal the hidden logics of our daily interactions with peers, subordinates and leaders

[Tammy Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book, highly recommend for anyone in leadership or with goals to be a manager!

[Tekin Mentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good collection of leadership articles, easy to read and tips to apply in business, but if you are an experienced leader I would skip it, mostly for those who are new to the leadership roles.

[Aina Demirova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 1 article is worth reading - Connect, then lead

[Sol Villagarcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante forma de aprender a ser líder. Es difícil para la mujer ser líder, porque va un poco en contra de la imagen ideal de mujer. Creo que ese es el mayor obstáculo que veo hasta ahora.

[Linda Cesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas