Don’t let false confidence trip you up

When I work with senior leaders who need to communicate in challenging situations, I help them adjust their style so they’re signalling a balance of both competence and warmth.

Looks easy on the surface. The vast majority of leaders I encounter firmly believe they have this nailed.

When we talk about the theory, they’re all over it. They’re confident and know they can draw on their many years of experience to adapt their approach to their audience.

But put them under a small amount of pressure and I see a different story unfold.

With a video camera rolling or a small audience gathered, the leader’s natural tendencies become amplified.

Some will swing abruptly to the competence end of the scale and forget about connection.

They lose vocal variety, sometimes becoming monotone. Many slow down to a yawn-inducing pace and want to rely heavily on notes. They look dour and serious, regardless of the subject matter.

Jump to the other end and some leaders become all giggles and smiles, speaking rapidly, forgetting to take proper breaths, moving their head and body in exaggerated animation but neglecting to telegraph that they also know what they’re doing.

It’s a valuable exercise because unless you’re aware of how you come across when you’re put under pressure, you can’t make necessary adjustments.

The fantastic news is, once you know where you naturally sit it’s relatively easy to shift your approach. In my experience, even a small change makes a profound difference.

Credible leaders are always open to learning, even if they’ve had many years in the saddle.

Would you like more? Here’s Part 2 of my latest video mini-series, How To Get Your Spokespeople Media-Ready Fast. https://youtu.be/ZoDrAiUUn3E