Some people seem to command a room or a meeting just by being present. Their “executive presence” is instantly influencing and motivating people. For others—including, sometimes, the designated leader of the gathered group—that command is illusive.

Authors of the June PM cover story on the subject of executive presence have worked with managers or served in a manager position for years. One author has worked with managers for four decades, so over the years has asked them about this ability to command attention. The results of the interviews were interesting and rather than spell them out here, I invite you to read the article.

The authors identify four core characteristics that are key to having and developing executive presence, including communication skills and how a person dresses (one clue: looking messy doesn’t help). If you want to find out more about the core characteristics, then take command and begin building your executive presence here and now!

As is true each year, the June PM features the 2014 ICMA Annual Conference preliminary guide—your first preview of the conference’s programming and special events. In June’s issue you’ll also find a special report thanking supporters of the Fund for Professional Management and the Life, Well Run campaign. The issue includes a rundown of recent Supreme Court cases that impact local government; four short Management Minute items; and a reader’s response to Mike Conduff’s March column about difficult councilmembers.

If you have learned to tap into your own unique variety of executive presence, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on why and how to hone this leadership ability. Is it something you should be teaching your successors?