Although the 30-second elevator speech has become one of the required skills to have in your leadership repertoire, I’ve been resisting it every step of the way.
I’ve read all the reasons about why it’s important.  It basically boils down to having a creative, yet solid, answer to the question “what do you do?” and having it practiced and memorized until it rolls automatically off your tongue.  It’s seen as a chance to sell yourself and your skills. 
Many “experts” suggest that you craft your mini-speech in such a way as to capture someone’s attention, pushing them into asking for more information …read more

The phone rings.
It’s your human resource office telling you that they need a headshot, and could you get it them ASAP. 
Now what do you do?
If you are already an accomplished senior executive, you probably have a current head shot, and you’ll just ask the human resource department what they need it for and in what format.  They’ll have what they need within the hour.
But what do you do if this is the first time that you’ve needed a headshot?  Or maybe you’re mentor has suggested that it’s time for you to have a publicity photo taken and kept at the ready.  …read more

As you promote within your company, you will find increased opportunity to be visible, both within your workplace and without.  One way that you may be asked to represent the company is by speaking at an event, organize a conference, or participate in a public forum.
These are wonderful opportunities for both personal and professional growth.  But these are not opportunities for you to just “wing it.”  They required preparation, perhaps even more so than in your normal business routine.  Delivering remarks, giving a speech, moderating a panel, and introducing a conference participant all look like easy tasks.  They are easy, …read more

I’ve written a lot lately about how important it is for us to compliment, praise, and thank others. 
Equally important, however, is learning how to graciously accept compliments, praise and thanks from others.  All to often, we tend to brush aside the kind words of others, either because we are embarrassed, don’t feel worthy, or simply don’t know how to handle it.
The worst way to handle compliments, is to brush it aside with a casual “it’s nothing” or “oh, I don’t really deserve it.”  Those words denigrate the belief and esteem of the person extending the compliment.
We should always honor the …read more

Do you frequently find yourself involved in verbal battles with other people?  If so, defensive communication may be part of the problem.
Defensive communication occurs when one party to a conversation feels threatened, attacked, or is trying to protect their self-image.
Oh sure, we all react defensively on occasion, and it is, in fact, a legitimate defense mechanism.  But when all our communication carries the taint of defensiveness, it can ruin both personal and professional relationships. 
If you have a goal of eliminating defensiveness in your own communications, as well as not provoking it in others, consider these ideas.

Keep a communication log with details about …read more

A friend just received a fairly major career promotion.  It came about through her dedication to self-improvement, lots of hard work, and the guidance of a wise and trusted mentor.
The mentor is retiring at the end of the month, and a big celebratory party is planned.  My friend has been asked to make a toast at the event.  When I asked her what she was planning to say, she dismissed it with a comment that she’d just “wing” it.
Just “winging” it in any job responsibility is rarely a good choice. In this case, her toast will be one of the …read more

One of the most important skills for a leader to possess is the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
We frequently think of communication skills from a public point of view:  a press conference, interview, or speech, but some of the most vital communication occurs on a daily basis – the communication between boss and employee, co-workers, family and friends.
Although the stakes are different in every situation, most conflicts and disagreements among people result from communication misunderstandings.  When we aren’t clear about our words and meanings, we are likely to get stares, puzzled expressions, and confused looks in return.
A good rule …read more