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To Increase Your Executive Presence, Be Authentic
David was a leader in a technology company. Highly driven and successful, he had been on a fast-track through a series of quick promotions, and he was known for adding tremendous value and getting things done. People liked David, but they didn’t fully trust him. When you talked with David, he was just a little […]
To Develop Executive Presence, Learn to Listen
Executive presence is one of the most commonly asked for areas in leadership development and coaching. But, what is it? There is something of a mystery surrounding executive presence. Some see it as a high level of confidence and gravitas, the ability to command attention, to be seen and heard. Others equate it to asking […]
Time Management Tips: Be Efficient (but Remember You’re Not a Machine)
There are a number of strategies I recommend to help people improve efficiency and time management–a hot topic on the minds of many leaders. But I also recommend that executives remember that no matter how efficient they become, they are not machines. People who manage their time well know that life happens and plans change. […]
Time Management Tips: Take Time to Save Time
Most of the leaders that I work with, at one point or another, ask me about time management. Usually the question arises because they’re stressed and overwhelmed. Often they are balancing high-pressure leadership roles with the commitments of having a family with small children. Their partner often also works. It’s just a lot to juggle. […]
Time Management Tips: Help Others Help You
Most executives feel overloaded, at least some of the time. When a client tells me that they need to work on time management, I go through a “Productivity Checklist” with them, looking for areas they can further improve to make their lives more sane. One place to look is at the people around you. If […]
How Withholding Feedback Hurts Your Employees and Why It Matters
“I wish my manager had told me that the moment it came into her mind.” The more leaders I work with, the more I’m struck by how critically important it is to give clear, timely, granular feedback—and by how seldom it’s done. Recently I worked with two different leaders who failed to be promoted when […]
How to Be a More Diplomatic Executive, Part 3
Click here to view Part 1 and Part 2 in the series. 9. Choose Your Method of Communication Carefully. It’s good to put a filter on your brain that’s always asking, “What’s the best way to engage in this communication? Is it email, a phone call, a text message, a face-to-face conversation?” For example, if […]
How to Be a More Diplomatic Executive, Part 2
Today we continue the three-part series with four more ways to develop diplomacy. Click here for Part 1. 5. Suspend Judgment and Allow a More Complex Picture to Form. A close cousin to curiosity, suspending judgment means avoiding putting people or ideas into a box. One thing I’ve noticed about most people who have a […]
How to Be a More Diplomatic Executive, Part 1
I’m often asked to work with leaders who need to improve their ability to collaborate. Sometimes they are great at execution or great technically, but their very direct approach to communication has damaged key relationships. Other times, they may be pushing very aggressively for their own department without much awareness or concern for the success […]