When you walk into a business function where you don’t know anyone what do you do and who do you decide to talk to first? We all attend many functions, conferences, and advanced courses to enhance our skills, promote our businesses, products, and services, or to find a job or change careers. Everything is […]
Get People Reading Your Documents…Almost Before They Realize It
Have you ever spent weeks or months researching and writing a document, only to have it sit on desks unread? Are you mystified by how difficult it can be to get people to read a document, even when it’s critical to the organization or their own project? Often we blame them: they’re too busy […]
Courtesy is Communication
Courtesy carries with it an unsaid message. It tells another person that you care. Lack of courtesy is perhaps an even stronger message that we don’t care. Frankly, I think that either a lack of courtesy (not extending kind words or acts) or worse, being discourteous (intentionally acting in a way that is rude and […]
What Emerging Leaders Have In Common with Top Chefs
I was watching Top Chef one night (one of my favorite shows!) when I realized that emerging leaders have quite a bit in common with these “Top Chefs.” If you’ve never seen it, it is a program where chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges and are judged by a panel of professional […]
The Squint Test
Here’s a handy little test to make sure your reader is seeing and reading your pages as you intended. When you’ve finished writing and formatting your document, and believe you’re ready to send, post, handout, or otherwise spread your print or electronic word, do one last thing: Squint. Here’s what I mean […]
Leaders Balance Truth and Authenticity
Strong leadership requires the courage to be truthful, and to be authentic. These traits rise to the surface when a leader is faced a challenging often spontaneous question, usually in a public forum. I suggest that first you take a moment to become centered and focused. Then, repeat and/or reframe the question to be sure […]
Presenting an Effective Leadership Image on Stage
Planning ahead when it comes to giving a presentation is crucial. Nothing is worse than last minute surprises! Preparation and Planning Ahead Here are some basic presentation tips that I’ve collected from seasoned leaders and my own experience as a speaker and trainer. Check the stage background color Whenever possible, check on the […]
Leadership Credibility
You probably wouldn’t attend a corporate board meeting in a formal gown, or meet with a prospective client in your gardening clothes. Likewise, your documents shouldn’t wear the visual equivalent of inappropriate attire, raising eyebrows — and concerns — about your leadership style and credibility. The visual aspect of your documents influences peoples’ perception […]
When Leadership is Invisible: Rain Delays and the Corps de Ballet
I have eclectic tastes. I am a season ticket holder for both baseball and the ballet. Different venues, definitely. However, there are similarities when it comes to performance, what it takes to deliver an excellent experience to the audience. It has to do with Invisible Leadership. It rained one Saturday afternoon at the Oakland […]
Trade Show Magnetism
Here are a few tips on how to have a trade show presence that is magnetic and attracts people to your exhibit:
Appearance
Dress in clothing that is comfortable, distinctive and resembles the colors and style of the company.
