Posted: July 17, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Presentation skills, Time management

“You’ve got to ride the horse in the direction it is going” -Old Texas saying

One of my clients is in a key position with a start-up company.  He is an exceptional leader with boundless energy and focus.  As you can imagine, it is important for Ray to continuously sell ideas to his very busy boss.

At first it was frustrating trying to corner his boss for a quality conversation.  It seemed like the boss was always distracted.  Then Ray got wise: Read More…

Posted: May 23, 2016 | Categories: Leadership, Presentation skills

When we ask a question, we are in control.  Have you ever been in a conversation where you sensed the other person was distracted, not listening, or only thinking of how they were going to respond?  Would you like to know a sure way to re-engage people when you have lost their attention?  Here it is: Read More…

Posted: November 27, 2015 | Categories: Presentation skills, Self-Improvement

Now that we are approaching the end of the year, you are probably looking ahead to your professional development plans for 2016.  As you work on your plan, you note that it includes attending a seminar or training program to sharpen your skill or knowledge in a particular area.  Let’s say this program costs $650 to register and you would like your company to sponsor you.  How would you approach your boss?  Here’s one way:

“Mrs. Stanton, I need you to write a check for $650.   Why?  Because I need to attend a class”

I would not recommend this approach.  I have found it has a low batting average.  Let’s try another one:Read More…

Posted: February 26, 2015 | Categories: Presentation skills

Last week I received a call from a client who does many presentations.  His question was, “What do you do when you have someone in the group who is disruptive and keeps throwing you off track?”  If any of you have ever experienced this, you know how frustrating this can be.Read More…

Posted: October 22, 2014 | Categories: Presentation skills, Sales, Self-Improvement

In my last blog I talked about those who exhibit the “Directing” style.  Now let’s take a look at the next quadrant – The “Presenting” style.  A person who displays this style is usually the life of the party.  In any group of people, you will be aware of their presence.  They know how to have fun, they are always up and they communicate easily.  They are motivating and full of ideas.  Rather than resist change, they welcome and embrace the new.  They are natural promoters, thrive socially, and are open to others.  Empathy, flexibility, and good intuition come naturally to the “Presenters”.  They love being in the spotlight and enjoy seeing others in the spotlight.  Presidents Reagan and Clinton are two examples of this style.  I have known individuals who have met both of these men personally and they both talk about how special they felt during the conversation.  One said, “I walked away feeling like I was the greatest person in the world”.Read More…