Posted on: March 16, 2007
The ‘It’ Factor: Power
A commanding presence is a combination of attitude, style and determination. Want some for yourself? Follow these strength-building tips
By Timothy R. Schulte
CTW Features
Donald Trump is the essence of power, and it's all about the suit, the speech and his unwavering eye contact.
Donald Trump is living proof that success isn’t dependent upon good hair. The billionaire real estate magnate with the poorly combed-over follicles didn’t get where he is by spending time in front of he mirror, he got there by spending time making deals in the boardroom. And while looking good is important, it’s not all that’s needed to replicate The Donald’s powerful prowess. Bill Steele, a senior training associate with Brody Professional Development, Jenkintown, Pa., says that to present a more powerful you, it’s time to focus on your appearance, words and actions.
Appearance
“He’s always dressed impeccably,” says Steele of Trump’s strong, professional look. However, the casual work environment that has moved across corporate America has made pinpointing a powerful look more difficult. “People still notice who looks sharp and who doesn’t,” says Steele. “Think about the way you look.”
That doesn’t mean you have to don the omnipotent navy suit/red tie combo every day, but something like tossing on a sports coat is going to make you look that much more professional and exude an aura of “it,” says Steele. Go beyond the lowest common denominator. People will notice, he says, noting he has never seen Trump not wearing a suit.
Words
You don’t want to mirror this in an arrogant or over-the-top way, but what Steele says he notices about Trump and finds interesting is that he never uses any qualifiers. Meaning, he never says “I think” or “I hope you like” when he’s proposing or explaining something. It’s always, “We’ve come up with something good,” or “We’ve worked hard.”
“I’ve always said, it’s not what you put in but what you leave out,” says Steele. Don’t start fist-pounding and guaranteeing everything, but be confident of what you say without over-qualifying, and you’ll sound like someone who should be listened to.
Actions
Trump has a very aggressive body style, says Steele. But you don’t want it to be too aggressive, he says, noting The Donald can engage in a fiery, unwavering lock of eyes. “You just have to be careful that you don’t use it as an intimidation,” he says. Strong eye contact – and a good lean-in toward whomever you’re speaking with or to – shows you’re engaged and a good listener. People respect that.
Making strong eye contact with people upon entering a room also exudes a strong presence. Often people don’t make immediate contact with people around them because they assume they’re not being noticed. By assuming you’re being noticed and acting like you’re being noticed, you give off a certain presence of power. Don’t hesitate; move right in.
A general power tip for anyone, which may as well have been snatched right out of the Trump playbook, is to be unwavering in anything you do, says Steele.
