The Trust Shift Every Leader Needs To Make

When you have to deliver high-stakes information under pressure, it’s natural to feel self-conscious.

Even the most seasoned leaders can get lost in their own head, focusing on internal questions like “How am I coming across?” or critical thoughts like “You’re getting this wrong” – right when they needs to be at their most credible.

The truth is, your audience – whether that’s one or 1000 – can’t hear you when you’re only listening to yourself.

When you’re paying attention to your own internal commentary (I call my critical voice “the old hag” and she can be relentless!), you’re not fully focused on the person or people who actually matter in that situation. 

One of the most powerful shifts you can make as a credible leader is to focus out. Instead of “How am I doing?” ask yourself: “What does this person need from me right now?” 

It might be clarity, or reassurance. Perhaps it’s context, or confidence you’ve got things under control. Maybe they just want a decision, even if they don’t like it.
Whether you’re speaking to one person across a desk, 20 people in a meeting room or 500 staff from a stage, when the pressure rises, get out of your own head and into their world.

Dwell less on how you’re being perceived and more on the value you’re there to deliver.

You can’t be self-conscious when you’re other-person-conscious. That’s when credibility and trust get stronger.

You’ll find specific tips on how to increase your “them” focus in my latest video. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/97gE3XmOb5o