Looking Beyond Your Last Presentation
When communicating, there are a number of tricks and techniques you can implement to ensure your message is clear, concise and compelling (just following those three descriptors is a huge start). There are a number of outstanding communication coaches that can teach you the skills to ensure you nail your next big speech or press interview.
What some leaders forget, is that what you communicate extends past your dynamic presentation at the Company Meeting or the rousing team building speech you delivered to kick off a new initiative.
Leadership happens throughout the day - in the break room, during staff meetings and during one-on-one check-ins. The word you use and way you conduct yourself throughout the day can often communicate more than your last PowerPoint.
To communicate effectively, a leader must have actions that match their words and the values they articulate verbally (and the values of the organization.) A leader has to not only show up for the big events, but for all of the little moments each day.
How can you evaluate your true strength as a communicator? Specifically, leaders can ask themselves the following questions:
Does how I spend my time align with they messages I send?
With whom do I spend my time and does that send any specific messages (negative or positive)?
Are there behaviors by others that I tolerate that could send a negative message?
Am I living out the declared culture and values of my organization (bonus points if you can clearly articulate the desired culture and values)?
Do I provide positive feedback? If not, what message does this send? If so, what message does this send?
Do I provide constructive or negative feedback? If not, what message does this send? If so, what message does this send?
Do my words and actions align?
How do I behave and participate in meetings? Does it differ if there are different people in the room?
Do I adapt my style for a situation? If so, does this send a message to others about what I expect from them?
What is my person vision for myself as a professional? (you need one) Are my actions supporting my vision?
Working with a skilled coach, leaders can greatly impact and improve their spoken and non-spoken communication skills. For more information about improving your leadership impact and presence, contact us at info@consultbrightblue.com.