Managing company relationships up, down, and across the organizational grid is fundamental to the success of driving innovation. Innovation needs to be viewed not in an isolated way but as a collaborative mindset and culture. Those who want to inspire it need to exhibit thought...
A huge part of leadership communication is knowing how to successfully employ results-oriented communication that will consistently influence others like decision makers and team players. To lead with inspiration, conquer sales objections, and win approval for your ideas, you have to connect in such a...
One of the most pervasive obstacles to superior communication success that I have observed is that many people hear the word “persuade” or “sell” and they think that it is a manipulative behavior. Don’t let doubts undermine your communication power, and remember that persuasion is...
Nowhere is your status and capability as a thought leader more conspicuous than when you stand up to lead a meeting or give a presentation. Unfortunately, most people enter these situations unprepared to take advantage of this kind of golden opportunity. Instead of exuding outstanding...
Listen to the podcast [audio mp3="https://illustraconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/PODCAST_07012015_communicate_with_impact.mp3"][/audio] Here are four ways to improve your communications – whether those are over the phone, board room presentations, or electronic messages like email. #1 Cut Out the Fluff The key to clear and potent communication is to use only as many words as...
Listen to the podcast [audio mp3="https://illustraconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PODCAST_05282015_C_Level_Leadership.mp3"][/audio] I am asked by some of the largest corporate organizations to help their executives speak more effectively and influentially to the C-Suite. What’s the most common problem area I encounter? Most leaders who speak don’t adhere to the most important technique,...
Listen to the podcast [audio mp3="https://illustraconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/PODCAST_04282015_Fuel_Leadership.mp3"][/audio] Let me share four great tips for organizing your presentations and speeches. Instead of visualizing yourself getting up and making a big, important speech, think about whether you could be cool and confident just introducing someone else who is going to...
Don’t become one of the many high-potential leaders who miss the boat simply because they don’t fully grasp the power of external image. Don’t think of clothes as just something to wear. View them as a factor in leadership influence. Stop dismissing body language as...
If you want to seize the day and capitalize on your window of opportunity to move up in your career you have to be fully prepared to jump at the chance. Opportunity doesn’t linger; it knocks and then moves along to the next person’s door....
As a leader you are probably accustomed to taking charge. You are comfortable being assertive. You are trained and practiced at giving orders. In fact, it’s probably a natural part of your personality. Unfortunately that also means that you may have developed a bad unconscious habit....