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Course Description

The concept of “authentic leadership” has become very popular in recent times. In addition, much has been written about executive presence and how to cultivate it in yourself. Both of these things are affiliated with rising to the top.

There is an inherent dilemma for women trying to apply these concepts. Everyone expects that to move up in leadership they will have to display the “right” professional identity and work style – ones that “fit” with expectations.

But what is right and fits is heavily influenced by the majority culture of the organization, which in most cases has been established by men (mostly white, mostly older). So on the one hand, the professional identity needed to succeed includes behaviors more prominent in male culture. On the other hand when women go too far in exhibiting those behaviors, they get pushback. As a result, in certain very traditional masculinized settings, women learn to alter, repress, or hide some of the characteristics of their identities (being a mom, caregiver, acting communally). In essence, some women in certain contexts find they have to restrain their personal style in order to fit in.

In this course, designed for women in leadership positions, learners will examine strategies for incorporating being self-aware and genuine without suppressing their unique personal style.

Faculty Author

Deborah Streeter & Susan S. Fleming

Benefits to the Learner

  • Define "executive presence" within your particular context
  • Assess yourself and a role model for behaviors that support an executive presence (or undermine it)
  • Practice carrying yourself with authenticity and gravitas that draw from your sources of power
  • Make conscious decisions about when and how to show emotion effectively in support of a strong executive presence
  • Plan the behavioral changes that will help you reinforce others' perceptions of you as a capable executive
  • Refine your executive presence so that you can improve your interactions with people at higher power levels

Target Audience

  • Women leaders in mid- to senior-level positions (10+ years of work experience)
  • Women who hold or are interested in seeking board positions
  • Women entrepreneurs and founders
  • Male leaders seeking to better understand gender dynamics in their organizations

Accrediting Associations

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Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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