Building executive skills fo rthe next level ...
Maria Schmidt, a 42 year old vice president had worked at a fast paced nationally-based retailer for 20 years. She was a highly respected individual within her company and, technically, considered second to none. Her team was dedicated to her, and her projects always got done on time.
She was quite nervous around senior management and, as a result, she was tentative with her ideas in significant meetings. She also over talked her points when anxious, which further impacted her perception. Maria’s boss wanted her as his successor, but knew that since she was viewed as task oriented, she would likely be overlooked by the board for more challenging opportunities. He recognized the need for her to become more relationship oriented.
Maria’s focus areas revolved around not only improving some nonverbal aspects of her communication style, but also becoming more confident – she had to believe in herself as a knowledgeable asset to her organization. She had an MBA, always knew the facts, had numerous ideas for solutions if need be, yet didn’t trust herself when speaking with peers or superiors. She spoke cautiously and tended to be too detailed. She knew she needed to lighten up and get in the game with senior-level executives, but wasn’t exactly sure how to do it.
She first learned from the video sessions how important her nonverbal communication was to make a strong impression. To do so, she had to use consistent, strong eye contact and manage her physical nervousness so that her voice wouldn’t crack under pressure. She was given the tools she needed to become more efficient at blending factual and persuasive communication.
After reviewing the survey data report, she realized she didn’t have to prove herself right – she was already trusted and respected. She learned that her peers viewed her as talented and smart and her confidence soared. She was able to boost her delivery style to being 50% more expressive with messages to senior management. She remained engaged at all levels and her new poise and presence got her promoted twice in 18 months! She is now leading and persuading individuals and does not just let her results speak for themselves. She has developed her strength as a leader by pre-selling her ideas behind the scenes before important meetings.
Maria is now a senior vice president and officer of the company. The CEO, her new boss, stated that he couldn’t be more pleased with the results of her transformation. Her work with Change Masters helped her to successfully succeed her boss. She was able to increase her comfort zone of being a fantastic individual producer to being a solid, respected executive leader of other technical individuals.