I have been competing in triathlons since 2006 in a fairly low-key, just-to-keep-fit way until 2009 when I spent five months training for my first Ironman Triathlon at the very tough and hot Ironman China. I recently rode in a 240km (150 mile) race and wrote up my experiences at my coaching site “The Change Catalyst”. I was surprised at all the positive feedback the article received. So here is the link to the article.
Tag Archive for 'executive presence'
One of the biggest problems that multinational companies face is having senior executives who lack executive presence. Productivity, profit and morale are all tied in with this concept. Companies urgently need to address this problem because it can increase efficiency in project execution, distribute key messages properly and improve morale through all levels of management.
Gives a Personal Brand
One of the most important things about executive presence is creating a personal brand. Executives create a message simply by the way people see and hear them, as well as think about them. Having a personal brand gets an executive noticed, which allows them to build a successful career and drive progress in their business. Executive presence and personal brand extend to all stakeholders, like customers. This gives the executive a distinct advantage as they project authority to individuals who they have never met, nor worked with. Many call this the “WOW” factor and people with it get listened to more and are often seen as a centre of influence. A personal brand is ingrained with a person’s executive presence; one cannot exist without the other. An executive with presence has a clearly defined awareness of who they are and the value they can bring their company.
Creates Credibility
If an executive shows up to talk with their team wearing a Hawaiian shirt, with cargo pants and sandals on, the executive team may not see the senior executive as a leader. If the company culture supports suit-wearing , dressing too casually will impact how people judge and respect the executive. This could lead to a lack of credibility and result in the executive being unable to motivate his team. All companies have a template of what a leader should be and successful executives match this image. However, executive presence comes from more that dress sense. Credibility is extremely important and something that comes when the executive is seen a true role model. Executives who cultivate their image as a role model are more highly regarded both inside and outside the firm.
Connecting With the Team
One of the most important aspects of executive presence is that it allows the executive to connect directly with their team. They make that person feel as though they are the most important person in the world. A skill that former President Bill Clinton was famous for displaying. This connection, or charisma, is based on superb listening skills and when carried with sincerity becomes an accelerator that drives the team to achieve outstanding results. While over-use of emails tends to diminish this impact, a high performing executive will use a blended approach. Encouraging team members who are located in different sites, while maximizing face time to ensure the team can see and feel the important the executive places on them. These personal connections result in higher performance and productivity. An executive with presence engages their team and keeps motivation high – through good and bad times.
Conclusion
The greatest business leaders all have executive presence. Richard Branson and Steve Jobs use their executive presence to influence their team members as well as their stakeholders. This results in successful companies with highly committed people and a loyal customer base. Today’s executives need to raise their game to match this high benchmark, as the future of their business growth depend on it.
Resource Box
Warwick John Fahy coaches senior finance executives to influence key stakeholders, like clients, regulators, and investors with the innovative model: “The Bamboo Leader - 8 executive presence competencies for multinationals in Greater China”. To arrange an initial free “Build Executive Presence” consultation (value 200 Euros), call Jeremy Potts today +86 21 6101 0486 or download a free White Paper on Building Executive Presence at http://www.thebambooleader.com
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
This is part 3 of a three part posting on building executive presence. For part 1 please click here.
Executive presence can be created by looking at it from three perspectives : executive credibility, positive image projection and executive connections. This posting will look at the third perspective:
Executive connections
While executive presence can seem like an intangible quality, it is essential for a leader to influence and motivate their team. One of the greatest assets that President Bill Clinton had as a leader was his ability to make every person he spoke with feel like they were special and that he really cared about them and what was on their mind. In a world of emails, text messages and tweets, it’s important to remember the power of personal connection.
Executive presence can be divided into competencies and one key competency is “connecting”. Executives need to project warmth to their stakeholders and especially stay accessible to their direct reports. This can be challenging for executives from technical disciplines where the focus tends to be on task rather than people. Some executives benefit from support in self-awareness using assessment centers and 360 degree feedback from their directs, peers and managers. This shows their relative strengths and behaviors that may need further development.
For example, a finance executive who needs to develop more client relationships found that their natural preference was to focus on procedures and standards. In fact, this behavior helped them become a fantastic finance manager. The executive realized that they would never be a charismatic, super-outgoing, and life-of-the-party executive, so she decided to hold small presentations for key potential clients to introduce new and changing regulations. Her ability to simply and clearly explain these changes was greatly appreciated and lead to further business opportunities. All executives should build from their strengths to create their own unique executive presence.
While life in the executive suite focuses on business strategy and numbers, building executive presence in key roles, like CFO, is essential to maintain the reputation, credibility and success of the firm. In key and complex markets, like China, this becomes a necessity rather than a nice-to-have.
Resource box:
Warwick John Fahy coaches senior finance executives to influence key stakeholders, like clients, regulators, and investors with the innovative model: “The Bamboo Leader - 8 executive presence competencies for multinationals in Greater China”. To arrange an initial free “Build Executive Presence” consultation (value 200 Euros), call Jeremy Potts today +86 21 6101 0486 or download a free White Paper on Building Executive Presence at http://www.thebambooleader.com
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
This is part 2 of a three part posting on building executive presence. For part 1 please click here.
Executive presence can be created by looking at it from three perspectives : executive credibility, positive image projection and executive connections. This posting will look at the second perspective:
Positive image projection
In today’s world of ever-present media, sounding good is an essential part of becoming an executive with presence. Many up-and-coming executives from technical disciplines, such as finance or IT, find this daunting. This can be due to the nature of what has made them successful. A strong focus on accuracy in numbers or minute details in coding are not the best preparation for being an outgoing charismatic executive. As executives move up the ladder into key roles, like finance director, CFO and regional roles, there is an expectation that they can handle public occasions.
A CFO needs to mix with potential clients at networking functions, present a case to regulators and handle media questions. Sounding confident, presenting concisely and managing questions are all stock-in-trade for a successful executive. This can be a big jump for many managers. So many take crash-courses in working with media or work with coaches to bolster their skills and confidence in personal expression.
Start with low-risk environments and if necessary bring in a mentor or HR partner to guide the finance executive into roles and situations where they need to stand up and present a clear message. This support is essential to create self-confidence in the executive. Small wins should be recognized and regular feedback given to the executive. Also, specific suggestions to improve their projection should be an important part of this feedback.
Resource box:
Warwick John Fahy coaches senior finance executives to influence key stakeholders, like clients, regulators, and investors with the innovative model: “The Bamboo Leader - 8 executive presence competencies for multinationals in Greater China”. To arrange an initial free “Build Executive Presence” consultation (value 200 Euros), call Jeremy Potts today +86 21 6101 0486 or download a free White Paper on Building Executive Presence at http://www.thebambooleader.com
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
A company’s finance director or CFO has always played a key role in the growth of the business in China. Aside from the usual finance related tasks, a demanding role is played dealing with regulators, media and overseas board of directors. This more visible and public role puts more pressure on CFOs to build executive presence. Many companies have found their growth constrained when their finance director is unable to take this role. Shielding finance directors from conferences and media sessions prevents companies from maximizing the potential of their CFO.
What is Executive Presence?
Executive presence is something that is not taught in business schools, but every successful leader has it. Top executives command people’s attention when they walk into a room. When there is a crisis situation, the team turns to them for an opinion. Executives with presence are placed in high profile, high stakes roles to drive the company’s reputation and business forward. Executive presence can be created by looking at it from three perspectives : executive credibility, positive image projection and executive connections. This posting will look at the first perspective:
Executive credibility
Every company has a culture that includes norms on how to dress. The key to success is to first fit in to get ahead. For an executive working in finance, dress like a finance executive: well fitting suits in blues, grays and blacks will fit in. Conservative colored shirts – blues and whites work in every situation while some executives can carry more colorful shades like pink or lilac strips. Ties allow more room for self-expression with a mix of the above colors used on various patterns like stripes, checkerboard, dots and paisley. In finance, clients expect a safe and traditional approach to business and that is reflected in the dress-sense.
Creative executives in advertising or online marketing have a greater scope to be individualistic. Out of the box thinking can be manifested in clothing colors, and hair styles. In this type of industry, where creativity Is valued, this type of presentation is acceptable. However, even in these industries as you move up the organization, executives tend to converge to a dress-code.
Look around at industry and company norms, and dress a little smarter than is expected. As Jeffrey Fox says in his book, How to become CEO, “look sharp and be sharp”. Invest in quality clothing, polish your shoes and groom your hair and fingernails. Successful executive presence starts with an executive look. The first step is to look like a confident executive. Stand out by paying close attention to the small details of personal grooming.
Resource box:
Warwick John Fahy coaches senior finance executives to influence key stakeholders, like clients, regulators, and investors with the innovative model: “The Bamboo Leader - 8 executive presence competencies for multinationals in Greater China”. To arrange an initial free “Build Executive Presence” consultation (value 200 Euros), call Jeremy Potts today +86 21 6101 0486 or download a free White Paper on Building Executive Presence at http://www.thebambooleader.com
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
Executive Branding: Three Steps to build a senior management career Part 3 of 3 : Project your Image
To view the other steps in this series, see Part 1 ‘Find your passion’ and Part 2 ‘Uncover your unique value’ .
Project an unique passion
Most executives have never paused to think what image they are projecting.
Although most will have opinions on how others come across! It can be a lot tougher to apply that same thinking inwardly. Work with the executive to see if their actions are in tune with their personal brand? If they desire a fast track career and promotion, is their personal hygiene and dress sense in tune with a high powered executive?
Articulate personal brand
Since the days of Dale Carnegie, one skill which every man, woman and child should learn is the art of effective public speaking. The ability to stand up in front of others and express thoughts clearly and with purpose is invaluable in both career and family life. Encourage the executive to find opportunities to speak with people about their passion. Examples include volunteering to start an interest group inside the company or community.
This article has looked at the importance of building a personal brand. First, get in touch with passions as they are the foundation for becoming an authentic brand. Then, work on identifying unique value, as the more integrated passion and unique value are, the clearer the personal brand becomes. Finally, project and articulate the brand image.
RESOURCE BOX
Warwick John Fahy is the international executive speech coach for senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs who need to influence clients, investors, shareholders and team members. His highly practical approach and deep cross cultural intelligence have made him a sought-after business presentation coach throughout the world.
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
To view the other steps in this series, see Part 1 ‘Find your passion’.
Uncover unique value
After uncovering their passions, an executive can define their uniqueness. This can be a block as many executives – especially from financial and technical fields - tend to under-sell themselves. An important step to take is to define expertise more broadly than their job description.
Remember that a personal brand is how other people perceive the executive, not how the executive would like to be seen. An exercise to gain new insights on the value the executive provides is to ask them to answer the question, “ What pain do you solve?” By writing between 20 and 100 small pains or problems they solve, insights will be uncovered into what services they provide – paid and unpaid – to the people around them. Expand the question to include family, friends as well as colleagues and business stakeholders.
Once an executive has defined their passion and the unique value they provide, the next step in personal branding is how to project them.
Watch out for Part 3 coming soon. What else should an executive do to uncover their unique value?
RESOURCE BOX
Warwick John Fahy is the international executive speech coach for senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs who need to influence clients, investors, shareholders and team members. His highly practical approach and deep cross cultural intelligence have made him a sought-after business presentation coach throughout the world.
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said almost 2,500 years ago, ‘there is nothing permanent except change’. Certainly this is true in the modern workplace. Over the last decade it has become increasingly mobile, uncertain and fluid with organizational change increasing the number of short term project-based work positions, a shift in emphasis of career management from the company to the individual, and numerous mega-trends like outsourcing, and freelancing putting even more pressure on the once stable and reliable working environment.
The result has been that many middle managers are becoming commodities in the talent marketplace. Uncertain about their futures and overwhelmed by the wave of social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN that have unleashed a tidal wave of information to soak up on a daily basis. To make matters worse, up-and-coming younger managers are ambitious, have absolutely no problem in promoting themselves and are much more comfortable with the mobile communications and social networking world we live in.
So how does a middle manager with aspirations to become an executive cope?
They need a personal brand. In “Be your Own Brand”, McNally and Speak define a personal brand as “a perception or emotion that somebody has, that describes the total experience of having a relationship with them.” In other words, everyone has a brand and it’s what people are saying about us. A good way of thinking about a personal brand is to “become more of who you are”. In short, project an unique passion. Let’s take a look at this in more detail.
Find the passion
Let’s begin with passion. When it comes to career, most people would rather be doing something else. Ask the question, “What would you do with your life today if you did not need to work for money?” and not many executives would keep working 12 hours a day in their current job. Most people do have a long list of things they would like to do, be or have. These passions, hobbies and interests are delayed because many executives justify the hard work of today with the belief that they will be able to enjoy them sometime in the future. That’s not a good idea because early retirement is a killer. A British Medical Journal research study, carried out over 26 years, found that the mortality rate among early retirees was almost twice as high in the first ten years after retirement, with men more likely to die at a young age than women.
The one thing that reversed this trend? A healthy active lifestyle. Leonardo da Vinci stayed creative his whole life. He didn’t retire. Tim Ferriss in the 4-Hour Workweek calls for mini-retirements. Use this technique to find a passion. First, an executive should write down a list of what gives them energy and makes them enthusiastic. Ask them to think back to the things they loved to do as a child. Second, cross off items that only relate to personal gain (shopping for another handbag) and that do not have any productive outcomes (watching TV alone). Finally, go through the list and circle any items that they would be willing to do even if they won’t get paid for it. Ask the executive to read through the list, and note down how much time they are investing in their passions today and how they could start increasing this time.
One auto executive had a passion for fussball (table football). He shifted from playing fussball in bars (fun but relatively unproductive) to organizing a fussball league. Then he moved onto training youth to play fussball, finding sponsors to buy tables and training facilities. Finally, he was even consulted by the national fussball association on how to develop the game. That’s how to turn a passion into something much much bigger!
All executives need to find a way to work these into their current work schedules, while also taking some time at the weekend or evening to learn more, join a club or teach other people about their interests. The more an executive works with their passions, the more authentic they become.
Watch out for Part 2. What else should an executive do to build their personal brand?
RESOURCE BOX
Warwick John Fahy is the international executive speech coach for senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs who need to influence clients, investors, shareholders and team members. His highly practical approach and deep cross cultural intelligence have made him a sought-after business presentation coach throughout the world.
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
The popular TV show House features a genius doctor whose abrasive manner clashes with patients. It’s great entertainment although it’s amazing House doesn’t get sued every week! In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell showed how doctors with poorer interpersonal skills got sued more than doctors who were liked by their patients. Spending an average of three minutes more with patients and engaging them with active listening was key to not being sued. Listening is a key skill that all executives can improve. It may be the difference between the next promotion and a frustrating performance review.
Poor listening is costing business
Every executive position needs “good communication skills”, but very few stipulate that “good listening skills” are essential to the position. The high cost of not listening in business is not easily measured. But ask any executive about the management issues they face on a daily basis and poor listening skills are often at the root: A key client is upset when their feedback is not acted upon by your service team and now they are re-evaluating your account. Despite a long executive meeting, the CEO’s key messages are not implemented. A high potential executive hands in her notice unexpectedly hinting at the poor communication skills of her manager. The list and cost to business goes on.
Active listening is the key
As Ernest Hemingway said, “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” The reason why listening is a weaker skill is clear. At school, we are taught to speak, read, and write but never to listen. Good listening is not passive, it requires a leader to concentrate on listening intently and not drift away with thoughts of their own, especially if they don’t agree with the speaker.
The purpose of active listening is to show respect to the speaker, understand how the speaker is feeling and finally what are the facts that they are conveying. Speaker, feelings and content in that order. Nothing is more flattering than listening with 100% of your attention. In a short attention span world, how many times have you been speaking to someone who is glancing at their computer screen, mobile device or watch? Your opinion of them goes down and your productivity often follows. Let’s see an easy three-step process you can follow.
The three-step listening process
Executives who rise to the very top are those who realize communication is their job, not only a skill needed as part of their job description. Successful leaders depend on strong relationships and relationships are built on clear communications. Active listening is an essential part of the puzzle.
Step 1 : Listen with all your attention
Active listening requires both non-verbal and verbal skills. Make eye-contact with the speaker, adjust your body position so that you are facing the speaker. This shows your attention is directed to the speaker. While listening, you can nod your head from time to time. These all show respect to the speaker.
Listening is not a one way street. After listening for a while, demonstrate your understanding by using phrases like:
“You feel that your contribution to the project has not been recognised…”
“It seems like you need a fresh challenge…”
“As I understand it, you sound frustrated with our current renummeration plan…”
“It appears as if you have a point. Let’s explore this further by…”
“If I hear you correctly, you’d like to attend an executive training workshop…”
Step 2: Pause before you speak
While you are listening, avoid the urge to interrupt or finish the speaker’s sentences.
Before you respond apply the motto, “Put your brain into gear before you put your mouth into motion”. Pause before you speak. Take a breathe. Count to three. Ensure that you are not talking over the speaker.
Step 3: Craft your reply
Before responding, ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” A question suggested by executive coach Marshall Goldsmith to help you think how the speaker will feel about your reply. A listener should not outshine the speaker. Don’t alienate the speaker with phrases like:
“I knew that already.”
“I never experienced that when I was in the sales division.”
“Sure I agree, but have you considered the other side.”
“I don’t agree. That’s just your opinion.”
Remember that a good listener’s concern is to understand the speaker’s feeling and point of view on a topic. Good listener’s will take these feeling on board, acknowledge them and before giving a reply, think about how the speaker will feel. Sometimes a good listener will only seek to understand, and not respond in the heat of the moment.
While listening is an under-rated skill, the ambitious executive uses it everyday. Polish your listening skills by acknowledging the speaker and their feelings while understanding the content. Good listener’s don’t interrupt and they carefully craft their response. Top executives realize that their listening skills are the hidden key to their success and further career progression.
RESOURCE BOX
Warwick John Fahy is the international executive speech coach for senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs who need to influence clients, investors, shareholders and team members. His highly practical approach and deep cross cultural intelligence have made him a sought-after business presentation coach throughout the world.
Warwick is the author of the acclaimed book, The One Minute Presenter - 8 steps to successful business presentations in a short attention span world. For free executive speaking tips visit http://www.oneminutepresenter.com/blog
For a media interview call +86 1391 786 7502.
Copyright 2010 Warwick John Fahy All rights reserved.
Find the story from your numbers
Executive presence is essential to stand out in your organization. It frames your other credentials. If you had a beautiful painting, it would be a shame to use a cheap frame, detracting from the wonderful artwork. Executive presence is like the frame. It can enhance or diminish. When an executive with presence speaks, others listen. Every time you are in front of your senior management, they judge whether you have what it takes to step up to the next level. Not only your technical ability but also the very important aspect of projecting yourself confidently.
Paint stories from your data
One very common mistake seen in presentations is the data-dump. Executives, especially from finance or technical backgrounds, often cram charts and number-packed tables into their PowerPoint presentations. While there is no doubt that data is important, a key question is, “How relevant is it to the audience you are facing?” Senior management are usually pushed for time and want to get to the point, make a decision and move on. Instead of reciting this quarter’s financial data slide-by-slide in great depth, step back and ask yourself, “What is the story behind these numbers?” By all means show charts and tables on a slide or handout, but while you are in front of senior management elaborate on them. Use these questions to turn data into an anecdote: What are the implications of the numbers? What does this mean for the business in the next quarter or year ahead? What actions need to be taken? What decision needs to be made as a result? By then answering those questions you will move towards what the numbers mean for the business. Help senior management see the trends, the big picture and the direction emerging. They will appreciate the extra clarity of your presentation.
What can you do to move away from data-driven presentations? Take a look at your next presentation and find the story that the numbers are telling.
Are you an Executive? Learn how Warwick helps ambitious executives speak with executive presence here.
