Developing Your Leadership Presence

Fleet Decision-Makers (FDMs) are at the helm of transformative changes, and their adept leadership is pivotal for steering through new challenges and opportunities. Improving leadership skills is a continuous journey, and fleet leaders are no exception. As the role of a fleet manager becomes increasingly multifaceted, developing and enhancing leadership skills is crucial for navigating the challenges of the ever-evolving fleet landscape.

Leadership is more than just the title you hold. It’s about the presence you bring into a room. It’s how you show up, how you make others feel, and how effectively you communicate verbally and non-verbally. It’s about the energy, focus, and confidence that inspire others to trust and follow you. Whether presenting at a conference, leading a meeting, or networking, your leadership presence can make or break your impact. In this article, we’ll discuss six things to consider in developing and strengthening your leadership presence.

Leadership Presence Needs to be Rooted in Values

Leadership is not merely about guiding others toward achieving a common goal but also about fostering an environment where each individual feels valued, inspired, and empowered. In an era where organizations face constant change and challenge, teams anchored by shared values outperform those that aren’t. Why? Because values guide decision-making, foster trust, and create unity, even in the most stressful situations. According to Government Fleet, these three things (purpose, values, and mission) form the bedrock of truly great fleets; they are the foundation of an organization’s culture. As you reflect on your fleet, are you crystal clear on these things? Is your team?

For example, the City of Flagstaff’s values are:

• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Quality
• Communication
• Leadership

If I walked into your organization and asked your newest or most senior leader what your core values are, would they be able to answer correctly? Do the values of the company align with the individual’s values? Leaders must have clearly defined values that align with the organization’s values. Once your values are defined, it’s essential to ensure they’re more than just words. Leaders need to live them out in daily actions. Think of values as the framework for decision-making. Every decision—big or small—should reflect core values.

Patrick Lencioni, in his book The Advantage, said, “Organizational health trumps everything.” One way to maintain organizational health is to measure behaviors and decisions against your values. Ask: Does this decision reflect who we are and what we stand for?

Embedding values in daily actions requires consistency. It means that every leader upholds those values in their behavior, no matter the pressures or distractions.

Understand the Power of Nonverbal Communication

Quality communication relies on nonverbal cues to interpret meaning and shape impressions. Studies show that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal. This includes your body language, facial expressions, and even the way you occupy space. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, a pioneer in body language research, found that only 7% of the meaning comes from words, while 38% comes from tone of voice and 55% from body language.

It’s well known that people won’t always remember what you say, but they will never forget how you make them feel. A successful executive embodies nonverbal cues of confidence and power (which accentuates their prestige and status), while a charismatic leader radiates charisma through warm, inclusive, and open body language. You will have the most impact if you can send both sets of signals, remembering that studies show leaders with warm body language are perceived more positively and are more persuasive.

As a leader, your body language is always sending signals to your team. To enhance your leadership presence, pay attention to how you stand, your posture, eye contact, and gestures. Are they conveying confidence or uncertainty? Leaders who hold an open posture, maintain steady eye contact, and use purposeful gestures are seen as more approachable. 

General Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.” 

Cultivate Confidence and Authenticity

Confidence isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how you say it. According to a study published in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, leaders who project confidence are more likely to gain trust from their teams, even in uncertain situations.

But remember, confidence without authenticity can come across as arrogance. Authentic leaders know their strengths and limitations, and they are comfortable with vulnerability. As leadership coach Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

According to Harvard Business School, authentic leadership is exhibited by individuals who have high standards of integrity, take responsibility for their actions, and make decisions based on principle rather than short-term success. They use their inner compasses to guide their daily actions, which enables them to earn the trust of their employees, peers, and shareholders, creating approachable work environments and boosting team performance.

An authentic leader strives to create a meaningful relationship with their team as they work toward goals related to their organization’s mission and purpose, not just its bottom line.

So, to develop your leadership presence, be unapologetically you. Embrace who you are, and let that shine through.

Master the Art of Listening 

Presence isn’t just about what you project; it’s also about how you receive others. Active listening is one of the most powerful ways to build connection and trust. According to research from Harvard Business Review, leaders who practice active listening create environments where employees feel valued, which in turn improves engagement and performance.

This doesn’t come naturally for most people. Listening intently is more than just a willingness to hear or seek specific information to form a conclusion. Effective listening is fueled by genuine curiosity and the desire to know more for the purpose of better connection and engagement. Active listening is careful not to allow impulse, impatience, interruption, to disrupt, stop, or redirect the flow of information. It considers every word to be a corridor for deeper understanding.

To transform from a good Fleet leader into a great one, focus less on what you’ll say next and more on how you’re receiving what’s being said. Active listening is the magic ingredient that makes impactful leadership possible. When you listen, you demonstrate that you respect the speaker’s thoughts and ideas. In your next meeting or conversation, listen fully, without interrupting, and without thinking about your response while the other person is still talking. This simple act can elevate your leadership presence dramatically.

Be Clear and Assertive in Your Communication

Being a strong leader means being clear and assertive without being aggressive. In her book The Confidence Code, Katty Kay points out that women, in particular, often struggle with assertiveness in leadership roles. However, it’s critical to make your voice heard.

Assertiveness is about being clear and direct with what you need or want while respecting others’ rights and feelings. It means you’re able to express your thoughts and feelings confidently without belittling anyone else. When leaders are assertive, they can guide their teams effectively, ensuring everyone understands the goals and their roles in achieving them. It’s a constructive approach that builds trust and clarity within the team. Leaders with presence don’t shy away from difficult conversations; they navigate them with grace and confidence. 

Assertive Fleet leaders tend to foster a positive, open environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and take initiative. This kind of atmosphere boosts morale, encourages creativity, and drives productivity. Everyone knows where they stand and what’s expected, leading to a smoother path toward achieving team goals.

Author and former presidential speechwriter. James Calhoun Humes, said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” 

Stay Adaptable and Resilient 

Leadership presence also means staying composed under pressure. Resilience is key to maintaining your presence when things don’t go as planned. A study by the American Psychological Association highlights that resilient leaders are not only more effective but also inspire resilience in their teams. Strengthening resilience in fleet operations is essential for navigating the complexities and uncertainties of modern logistics and transportation. As businesses face increasing challenges such as supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and evolving customer demands, the ability to adapt and maintain operational continuity becomes paramount. Today’s Fleet leaders need to be able to adapt quickly to new situations and circumstances. The ability to be flexible in leadership is critical in navigating uncertain and complex environments, and it requires leaders to possess a unique set of skills and mindset. By staying adaptable, leaders can effectively manage change, seize opportunities, and mitigate risks, ultimately leading their organization to achieve its goals.

When you demonstrate adaptability and resilience, you show your team that you can lead through both smooth and rough waters.

Developing your leadership presence takes practice, but the rewards are worth it. Your ability to lead with presence can inspire confidence, build trust, and create lasting influence.

Jeff Kennedy, Certified Belonging Facilitator, Inclusion Specialist, Speaker and Seasoned Leadership Development Expert

With over 25 years in management and the radio industry, 17 years as a pastor, and extensive experience as a motivational speaker and facilitator, Jeff Kennedy is a dynamic leadership expert dedicated to building high-performing, accountable teams.

Jeff’s unique background as a veteran, pastor, and leadership expert allows him to connect with people from all walks of life, and his ability to cultivate meaningful dialogue and inspire action has made him a sought-after facilitator and speaker for organizations looking to build strong, purpose-driven teams

Jeff’s passion lies in helping teams develop a culture of accountability, intentional communication, and shared leadership, ensuring that every member understands their role in driving success.

Recently, Jeff facilitated a transformative Lancaster Leadership training session for the City of Flagstaff Public Works teams—including Streets, Fleet, Facilities, and Solid Waste. The session, “Creating Our Team With Intention,” focused on developing leadership at every level, strengthening accountability, and reinforcing the mindset that every team member plays a critical role in public service excellence. The dedication of these teams to growth and teamwork demonstrated what it truly means to take ownership of their mission while delivering essential services to the community.

Jeff Kennedy is committed to empowering Public Works teams with the leadership skills necessary to navigate challenges, take initiative, and lead with confidence—ensuring that organizations not only function efficiently but thrive with purpose and integrity. 

Jeff Kennedy has guided leaders across public service, nonprofits, and government, helping them strengthen teams and drive meaningful change through coaching, leadership training, and organizational development.