When I stepped into a new leadership role, I thought executive presence meant being extroverted, charismatic, well dressed, and always knowing what to say to gain the respect of key stakeholders. I wanted to feel ready for conversations with executives, maybe one day board members or investors within a large organization.
Chavelle Galton-Rice.
I asked my direct leader for advice on enhancing my executive presence at the time, and I did not understand her advice immediately. She said, "Executive presence, for me, is putting on red lipstick before entering the boardroom."
At first, I laughed to myself. I thought, “Red lipstick? I look terrible in red lipstick.” While I am convinced she meant it literally, there had to be more to executive presence than wearing red lipstick.
This is an example where executive leaders probably say something figuratively. Still, perhaps they do not provide their mid- to high-level managers or directors with a clear answer, which leaves them more confused, and sometimes, those individuals take a literal approach based on a leader's advice.
That was me -- I took it literally. I tried to wear red lipstick, which made me feel more self-conscious than confident. So I dug out some of my old leadership books from one of my favorite authors, Simon Sinek, and got to work rereading his take on it.
I understand that executive presence may look slightly different in larger organizations compared to private dental practices. However, there are similarities, just at different levels. So that is primarily what we will focus on in this article.
In a nutshell, it is about presence, intention, and confidence. As Simon Sinek said, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." Executive presence, in its most valid form, starts with that mindset.
Executive presence in the real world
Executive presence is not solely for CEOs or public speakers. Dental managers use it daily, whether we are navigating a conflict, coaching a team member, or fielding last-minute cancellations while being short-staffed. It is not about what we wear. It is about how we lead.
Here's how executive presence shows up in real-life dental management.
Calm in the chaos
Some days feel like triage. The phone will not stop ringing, a child is having a meltdown in the reception area, and you are down two assistants. A manager with executive presence does not react with panic. They pause, assess, and lead with a steady hand. That calm becomes contagious.
Sinek once said, "The ability to remain calm and confident in a crisis separates a leader from a manager." In a dental office, that calm often keeps the whole team functioning.
Clear, direct communication
Strong leaders don't hide behind complicated language. They keep it simple and make sure their message lands. Whether it is explaining office changes to the team or clarifying treatment to a parent, clear communication builds trust and eliminates confusion.
Sinek often points out that “great leaders communicate from the inside out -- they start with the why.” If you want your team to align with your vision, you can't just tell them what to do. You must help them understand why it matters.
Confidence without ego
You do not need to know everything to lead with presence. What matters is how you own what you know and stay curious about what you do not. Real confidence means being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and guiding your team without micromanaging.
Empathy in action
It is not enough to be aware of your team's feelings, you must care enough to act on them. Managers who lead with empathy check in often, notice when someone is off their game, and offer support without waiting to be asked. That is the kind of leadership that people remember.
Sinek says it best: “Leadership is a choice. It is not a rank.” You do not need a title to show up with presence. You need to care deeply and act intentionally.
For me, developing executive presence has been a journey of self-awareness and intentional growth. The point is that executive presence starts with knowing your strengths, addressing your weaknesses, and embracing who you are as a leader.
So, what is your red lipstick? For some, it might be red lipstick. It may be a mantra that helps you center yourself. Whatever it is, know that it is a starting point.
If you are a dental manager looking to grow in your leadership, know this: You are already practicing executive presence in more ways than you realize. The goal is not perfection. It is consistency, empathy, and the confidence to lead your team through whatever comes next. And maybe your version of "red lipstick” is simply showing up with courage and care daily.
Editor’s note: References available upon request.
Chevelle Galton-Rice has been in the dental field for more than 22 years, holding various roles within the industry, such as dental assistant, manager, educator, and director of operations. As a manager, she supports and empowers others to grow and succeed, creating a positive and collaborative culture. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three kids in her free time while crocheting and drawing.
