Why do I have to keep repeating myself?
Why didn’t my team do what I asked them to?
Why didn’t my investment get the support I asked for?
I often hear that from executives I work with. Too often the answer is in the message giver not receiver!
I’ve just spent my Saturday judging an elementary and middle school speech and debate tournament and while listening to informative talks, impromptu discussions, sparring debates, and entertaining improv skits it occurred to me...
There are leaders everywhere that can learn from the students I had the pleasure to judge this weekend.
1. Preparation - you all know it but often don’t prioritize doing it. I mean planning the precise words you are actually going to say in your board presentation, company meeting, or conversation with a future investor. Write it down. Get feedback. Adjust. The warm ups are my favorite part to watch. Waking up your voice and getting your head in the game is another critical step often overlooked before you have to speak. This can be as simple as reciting the lyrics to your favorite song outloud. (Singing it is completely optional!)
2. Practice - my seventh grader has been endlessly running through her No First Use Nuclear Weapons topic with her spar partner for weeks now. They consider possible arguments, counter arguments and get their facts lined up. They don’t know which side of the argument they will have to stand for until the start of the debate, forcing them to consider thoroughly both sides of a controversial issue. - notice any parallels?
Amazon forced their executives to consider counter arguments to their strategies. When promoting an employee you have to write “best reason not to promote” on the promo justification form. Forcing you to prove you are not blind to someone’s development areas. Do you prepare for the counter argument when you are proposing a new investment or change of strategy?
3. Ponder - full confession, yes I was listening to my daughter in her competition outside her bedroom door! Well, there has to be some benefit of our LA lockdown!! As I was quietly trying not to make the floorboards creak...I heard my 7th grader meticulously ponder with her partner what had gone well and what parts they needed to fix for their next round. It was a delight to hear (and yes I confessed afterwards!) It’s easy to run from one crucial board presentation to the next meeting without taking a moment to reflect and truly ponder what worked in your presentation, what tactics for debate works for different leaders that you need to influence.
The coaches my daughter is surrounded by are incredible. They encourage, support, cheer on, and give tough feedback just when it’s needed. Especially on game day. Just like the advice I give CEOs and executives prior to their crucial investor meetings, earnings calls, board meetings, and employee events.
Do you have an expert giving you advice just when you need it?
Don’t stumble your lines. Your performance is too important for that.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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