FIRST, Stop trying to be impressive
If you are in a situation where you need to be impressive… a job interview, a sales call, a negotiation, a presentation — one of the worst things you can do is to try, on purpose, to be impressive. Read More
Category: Speaking and Presenting
Is the way you communicate holding you back?
You only get one chance
We’ve been talking a lot about Executive Communications and Executive Presence in my Executive Mentoring Group in the past few months.
When I talk about communicating with executives, I always say that you only get one chance. Read More
Reclaiming Humanity at Work
I had the great privilege of doing a TEDx talk in Asbury Park NJ a few weeks ago.
My subject was “Reclaiming Humanity at Work”.
Where’s the video?
Many of you have been asking when the video will be available online. Read More
8 ways to test if your executive communications are executive enough
Are you coming across at the right level?
Becoming proficient at executive communications is critical for every mid-level manager.
Many leaders are very comfortable communicating downward or with peers, but when it comes to talking with top executives they are not able to hit the right tone — it’s a very different thing. Read More
Where school taught us the wrong thing for business
School: Make sure it’s long enough
I remember in grade school getting an assignment to do a “report” on a topic or a book. Part of the assignment was always the length.
“Make sure it’s two pages single spaced”. Read More
The Best Outline For An Executive Presentation
What is the best approach?
“What is the most effective format for a compelling, persuasive presentation to executives?”
This question came up during my last Coaching Hour for members of Azzarello Group, and as we talked about it, I thought it was worth sharing on the blog. Read More
Stop trying to be impressive
A good rule of thumb is that you are never more impressive when you are trying to be impressive!
Trying too hard to be impressive is one of the worst things you can do when you are trying to build credibility, get support, or get things done. Read More
When to speak up
This is short post this week, but this topic is on my mind because I have had this conversation with so many people over the past month or so.
The dilemma so many people face…
Two kinds of people
There is one kind of person (who is universally disliked) that brags, is always talking, pretends they know it all, doesn’t add value, but acts like they are really important. Read More
Don't inflict your slides on others
Your Slides…
As an executive, your team creates all kinds of reports, spread sheets and slides…
… to plan, run, measure, and report on what you are doing in your operation.
While you need these detailed materials to run your function, please don’t inflict them on others! Read More
Where school steered us wrong
The school “report”
I remember in grade school getting an assignment to do a “report” on a topic or a book. Part of the assignment was always the length.
“Make sure it’s two pages single spaced”.
Kids would struggle to make it long enough, using extra large margins, leaving a big gap under the title, and/or by writing really big. Read More
