Several people who have hit a promotion ceiling in their careers tell me that they’ve received feedback that they are “lacking presence.” If they are a manager or junior leader, they may hear, “You lack executive presence.”

Have you ever been told that? If so, I can understand if you’ve been frustrated by this criticism. It is such a cop-out.

It is a catch-all phrase that is meant to capture myriad issues when managers can’t be pinned down. But, I’ve been in many employee review meetings from the leadership side of the table. I also work with managers who are trying to coach their direct reports through this “presence problem.” What I’ve learned is that they are often dissatisfied with one or more of the following issues:

1. You don’t seem very confident

2. Your behavior or appearance isn’t professional

3. The team doesn’t see you as a senior leader

4. Your public speaking skills are lacking

5. You don’t handle conflict very well

6. You lack political savvy

7. You aren’t ready to “swim with the sharks”

8. You can’t th…