You’ve already established yourself as a competent
professional. Your hard work, experience and learning have paid off. But continuing
to focus primarily on your technical competence won’t do much to further your
professional stature. At your level, you need to look elsewhere. It’s the small
refinements in how you conduct yourself that will move you forward.

Not big things—you’ve already dealt with them. I’m
referring to the little things that don’t get much of your attention. They are
so subtle that, alone, may be considered insignificant. Collectively though,
they separate the good from the best.

Recently in a coaching call with a client, the topic centered
on deepening his professional stature. When the conversation began, he was
somewhat quiet, reserved, halting in his speech, searching for the right words
to convey what he really meant. His intent was to be precise, on point, and
avoid me misunderstanding him.

As he spoke, I became frustrated because he is better
than he was presenting himself to be. So we discussed how his presentation actually
diminished his stature to his listeners. We talked about the little things—his demeanor,
dress, speech, voice inflection, mannerisms, etc. You know, all those things that
collectively make a big difference.

By the end of the call, he was speaking fluidly and with a
voice that conveyed he knew what he was talking about and that he was in
control. It was a pleasure seeing him rise to the occasion and present himself
as a professional of stature.

So What about you? How do you come across? How do others
perceive you? Do the cues do you give instill confidence in others? What do you
do that undermines your stature?

This week, pay attention to one or two ways you present
yourself that will add to your collection of little things and enjoy a higher
level of professional stature.