Leadership In 2025: The Essential Soft Skills That Define Executive Presence

Last Updated:July 11, 2025, 18:21 IST

The dynamic and unpredictable work environment today values leaders who remain composed under pressure, adapt swiftly to change, and demonstrate high emotional intelligence.

In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable work environments in India, the traditional markers of executive presence: commanding authority, sharp suits, and assertive communication, are no longer the sole indicators of leadership potential. The modern executive is now expected to balance strength with sensitivity, strategy with empathy.

Indian organisations are increasingly valuing leaders who remain composed under pressure, adapt swiftly to change, and demonstrate high emotional intelligence. As the definition of leadership evolves, Samira Gupta, Executive and Life Coach, shares some essential soft skills that are reshaping executive influence and defining what it truly means to lead in the contemporary Indian workplace.

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

What it looks like: self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, also sensing others’ moods

Why it matters: Improving your EQ promotes trust, teamwork and team performance. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a proven differentiator in workplace performance and leadership. Teams led by emotionally intelligent individuals tend to outperform others.

2. Strategic Communication

What it looks like: Intentional, short-form messaging, whether in board rooms, video meetings, or chat.

Why it matters: Clear communication makes it easy to get buy-in from stakeholders, synchronises hybrid teams and holds the leaders’ vision in place.

3. Gravitas with Humility

What it looks like: Calm confidence with a welcoming demeanour.

Why it matters: Leaders who exhibit stability combined with humility build credibility and psychological safety, which is critical in diverse environments.

4. Authenticity

What it looks like: Leading from genuine personal values, being vulnerable and showing authenticity when it’s appropriate.

Why it matters: Authenticity cultivates relatability and trust, crucial in cultivating loyalty and meaningful followship in Indian workplaces.

5. Executive Listening

What it looks like: Listening deeply – paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, and zeroing in on what is unspoken.

Why it matters: It indicates respect, it strengthens team cohesion, and it reveals understandings that can lead to improved (smarter) choices.

6. Presence in Virtual Settings

What it looks like: Strong online meeting presence – steady eye contact, professional framing, audio quality, and intentional gestures.

Why it matters: Now that hybrid work is common, virtual presence is critical for maintaining influence and sustained engagement.

7. Inclusive Influence

What it looks like: Identify and incorporate diverse viewpoints, recognise and bear bias, and promote equitable conversation.

Why it matters: Inclusive leadership is non-negotiable. It reaffirms existing values and creates a foundation for innovation from different perspectives.

8. Calm Under Pressure

What it looks like: Poised decision making in crisis or uncertainty.

Why it matters: Organisations want leaders who demonstrate they can lead teams in volatility.

9. Assertiveness with Empathy

What it looks like: Clear boundaries, sharing ideas with assertiveness blended with compassion.

Why it matters: This approach encourages clarity and psychological safety, which could be of utmost importance in the workplace context of socially and emotionally adept and intelligent people.

10. Personal Brand Management

What it looks like: Consistent actions, mindful engagement, and observable leadership in the workplace.

Why it matters: A strong reputation can act like a seed of influence, growing your leadership reach and long‑term credibility.

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Delhi, India, India

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