How to Get Senior Leaders to Listen

Most people think effective communication is about what you say.

In reality, it is far more about when, how, and to whom you say it.

A useful working definition of effective communication is:

Saying the right thing, to the right person, at the right time, in the right place, in the right way, for the right reason.

You won’t get all six right every time.

But the closer you get, the more likely your message will be heard — and acted upon.

And nowhere does this matter more than when you’re communicating upwards.

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How accurate is your perception of yourself?

Ten plus years ago I asked a group of my business friends the following question.

Here’s the question:

How do I fool myself by holding a perception that is greater or lesser that reality?

Only one friend friend responded – but his responses were invaluable.

My view is, that the syntax of the question was a key to prompting my friend to respond and providing great feedback.

By the way one of the valuable pieces of feedback was…

“Michael you come across as a bit of a know-it-all.”

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How sharp is your belief in yourself?

‘To be on the cutting edge you need an edge to cut with. That edge is your belief in yourself – sharp and ready to go.’**

I regularly share the above quotation in my one-on-one and group training with clients. After sharing it, I ask the audience this question:

“How sharp is your belief in yourself?”

Then I say: “No matter how sharp your belief in yourself is, at the current moment – over time, that sharpness will become blunt. My take-away point is this:

Continually sharpen your belief in yourself – the value, the worth you provide – and that belief (edge) will remain sharp, will be at the ready, and will ‘cut through’ in your interactions, meetings and presentations.

** (I have forgotten the name of the author of this quotation. If you happen to know the author please send me the name. Thanks.)

Own the Conversation

Action suggestion Over the next seven days, in your calendar make a solo, minute solo appointment with yourself. In that appointment, reflect on the value and worth you provide and write down those thoughts. If the sharpening your belief in yourself time proves valuable – schedule the process on an on-going basis. Perhaps every month or every quarter.

WHY being ASSERTIVE in VIDEO meetings, PAYS-off

One definition of effective communication is saying the right thing, to the right person, at the right time, at the right place, in the right way and for the right reason.

It may be difficult to consider all the above points, for every interaction. Taking time to reflect on the most important ones, before an interaction, can improve the chance of a effective interaction.

Consider this

The greatest enemy of communication – is the illusion of it.*

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Guide for WHEN to do FACE to Face vs VIDEO meetings

With the re-start of ‘normality’ in Australia set for early July how will you decide when to have a face to face meeting versus a video meeting? What’s the best mix of face to face and video meetings?

From my research and discussion with executives below are overall thoughts on the topic and list of suggestions on when to hold face to face and when to do video meetings – for you to adapt.

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LEARN how NOT, to DAYDREAM

You never get a second chance to listen to someone the first time.

Because if you’re daydreaming that might be the precise moment they’re sharing the key bit of information.

In Module #3 of The Art of communication through video conferencing, Series One, you’ll learn a field-tested powerful anti-daydreaming technique.

Here’s the 1:59 minute CLIP.

Own the Conversation

For 15+ years my clients have told me that the DBAE (Don’t Be Anywhere Else) technique has paid-off for them again and again… and again.

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FIX your VIDEO conference ‘look’ – NOW

Whatever can be seen

will be seen, and will form an impression

and a potential for loss or gain.

This point is contained in this week’s video clip that focuses on Key message one, of the Art of Communication through Video Conference, Series#1. Namely:

Make sure you set up the environment for a professional video conference.

Here is the 1:50 minute CLIP for you to view.

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VIDEO conference communication MASTERY – 2 minute SERIES

Your career, will be largely be defined, by how well you present in important meetings.

In the current world of work and in the future world of work – how well you present in important, virtual meetings – will increasingly define your career.

Today I’ve launched Module #1 of a new series entitled:

The Art of Communication through Video Conferencing.

The series of two minute video clips will give you key techniques to communicate with impact through a video screen – so you and your messages, are perceived as believable and memorable.

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REQUIRED reading for LEADERS – E. Shackleton’s LESSONS

Excuse my temerity with title of ‘required reading’.

However, I feel strongly that if you are a leader, you should read following passage about how Ernest Shackleton ‘showed up’ leading one of the most courageous survival missions of all time, and how his leadership lessons apply to leaders during the COVID-19 crisis. (bolding of text is mine).

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‘From his Antarctic experience, Shackleton knew that one of most important tools he had in accomplishing his mission was his presence. How he showed up each day in front of his men – what kind of energy he gave off, how determined he looked, even how he carried his body – had a huge impact on the team. He used what we would today call his emotional intelligence to maintain his determination and bravery; when these flagged, he never let his men know.

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