Michael's transformation began by studying Jennifer and other successful executives. He discovered specific behaviors that separated high earners from everyone else:
The Morning Authority Routine
Instead of: - Rushing in at 8:59 AM - Immediately checking email - Reactive mode from arrival
High earners: - Arrive 30 minutes before official start - Review strategic priorities first - Send one strategic email before 9 AM - Visible but not frantic
The Psychology: Early arrival signals control and dedication. That strategic morning email positions you as someone who drives agenda, not follows it.
Jennifer's Morning Email Template: "Good morning team,
Three priorities for today: 1. [Strategic initiative with metrics] 2. [Problem we're solving] 3. [Opportunity we're capturing]
I'll be focusing on [highest-value activity] this morning. Happy to sync on any blockers after 11 AM.
Jennifer"
This takes 5 minutes but positions her as the strategic thinker who guides team focus.
The Strategic Visibility Calendar
High earners don't leave visibility to chance. They systematically plan their presence:
Monday: Visible leadership - Lead or contribute significantly to most important meeting - Send week-ahead strategic email - Walk the floor/virtual check-ins
Tuesday-Wednesday: Deep work with updates - Block time for high-value projects - Send one progress update to stakeholders - Schedule strategic coffee chats
Thursday: Cross-functional presence - Attend meetings outside your silo - Contribute to broader initiatives - Build relationships with other departments
Friday: Synthesis and storytelling - Send weekly accomplishment summary - Share insights and learnings - Position work in business context
The Meeting Mastery Framework
Meetings are theaters where executive presence is performed. Michael learned to transform his meeting presence:
The Pre-Meeting Power Move - Arrive 3-5 minutes early - Position yourself strategically (not hidden in corner) - Engage in strategic small talk - Review agenda and prepare one insight
The First Five Minutes - Make one valuable contribution early - Establishes you as engaged participant - Creates expectation of your input - Breaks any hesitation barrier
The Executive Contribution Formula Instead of: "I think maybe we should consider..." Use: "Based on [data/experience], I recommend [specific action] because [business impact]."
Example Transformation: - Before: "The shipping delays are getting worse." - After: "Our shipping delays increased 23% last month, costing us $450K. I recommend we implement the three-tier priority system I've outlined, which should recover $300K monthly within 60 days."
The Strategic Question Technique Ask questions that elevate discussion: - "How does this align with our Q3 revenue targets?" - "What's the opportunity cost if we don't act now?" - "Who are the key stakeholders we need to influence?"
The Communication Upgrade Protocol
Eliminate Weakness Signals: - "I think maybe..." → "I recommend..." - "Sorry to bother you..." → "I have an important update..." - "This might be wrong but..." → "Here's my perspective..." - "Does that make sense?" → "What questions can I answer?"
Add Power Phrases: - "The strategic implication is..." - "The business case shows..." - "My recommendation based on the data..." - "The critical success factors are..."
The Executive Email Structure: 1. Bottom line upfront (BLUF) 2. Supporting data (bulletted) 3. Clear recommendation 4. Next steps with owners
Before: "Hey team, I was thinking about our inventory problem and I've been looking at some numbers. It seems like we might have too much stock in some areas and not enough in others. Maybe we should have a meeting to discuss? Let me know what you think."
After: "Team,
Decision Needed: Reallocate $2M in inventory by March 15
Current State: 45% of capital locked in slow-moving items while we're stocking out on top sellers
Recommendation: Implement dynamic reallocation model (details attached)
Next Steps: - Review attached analysis by Tuesday - Decision meeting Wednesday 2 PM - Implementation begins Thursday
Michael"
The Physical Presence Multiplier
Posture Economics: McKinsey research shows that professionals who maintain expansive posture (taking up space) are perceived as 35% more leader-like.
In-Person Presence: - Stand/sit tall with shoulders back - Maintain steady eye contact (70% while speaking, 100% while listening) - Use deliberate gestures - Take up appropriate space - Lean in when making points
Virtual Presence: - Camera at eye level (not looking down) - Professional backdrop - Good lighting on face - Minimize self-view to reduce self-consciousness - Use names when addressing people
The Wardrobe Investment: Dress 10% better than your peers, not 50%. You want to signal leadership, not create distance.
Michael's Wardrobe Upgrade: - Invested in 3 quality blazers - Professional backdrop for video calls - Consistent grooming routine - Subtle accessories that convey attention to detail
Cost: $1,500 Return: Promoted within 8 months (+$35,000) ROI: 2,333%