Leadership Communication Skills

Sarcasm is so deliciously tempting, especially when there are so many possible things to skewer at work! Sarcasm is a higher-level intelligence function - you've got to be bright to do it well. However, there can be a huge perceptual cost to you for indulging in this behavior. We'll describe the price and suggest alternatives for using your intelligence that won't harm the way you're perceived.

Most people want to please their bosses, but they're not sure how to do so. That's because they're not sure what's important to you, even when you think you've been crystal clear on setting expectations. We'll give you some great tips on how to get what you need done by being clear on what you want, as well as how to deliver difficult messages about unmet expectations.

Things that may be so obvious to us may not be at all clear to those around us. That's why it's crucial to make sure people are tracking with us in the way we desire, so we can get what we need. Here are some effective approaches to make sure others are on board with what you're telling them.

Your sense of mature presence and ability to deal with challenge is greatly impacted by the manner in which you take feedback. It can literally knock you out of contention if not handled well. We'll teach you how to act, rather than react, to get maximum value from the feedback you receive.

How did you and your work team respond to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center? Hopefully you will never have to experience that degree of tragedy again, but you do have to deal with crisis all the time. Giving hope in any whitewater environment can create enormous gains for you. We'll give you thoughts on how to deal with crisis more effectively and how to pass hope along to increase morale.

There are times when anger and pride create tremendous issues in communication and productivity. Our pride can keep us from asking for the help we need at the time we need it most. Anger can not only linger for years but can inflict stress on the people around you. We'll help you look at forgiveness in a whole new way, allowing you to move on with your life at work.

The more experienced you become, the more roles you need to juggle. This series explains how to balance more effectively and find time for the three major roles you will face every day throughout your career: manager, leader, and coach.

Skills that worked earlier in your career sometimes don't work as well today. There are amazingly predictable patterns in any career, any industry, on a professional level that we've observed over time. At Change Masters, we've come to call this pattern Decade Shifts, representing the changes in expectations people have of you as you progress over time. We'll walk you through some of the behavioral highlights of the 20s, 30s, 40s, and your 50s and 60s.

Conversations at the elevator, a cocktail party, or the water cooler can do a great deal to boost your career - if you know how to approach them correctly. We'll give you tips on how to increase your comfort in preparing for the spontaneous moment.

The Center for Creative Leadership has found that the number-one skill shared by top executives is outstanding listening. Listening is the single greatest connector you can have with someone. Hearing the facts and the emotion allows you to understand where others are coming from and to learn what you need to know early enough to take corrective action.

Negotiations happen constantly in big ways and small at work. We'll give you tips on how to successfully plan and execute negotiations, as well ways to avoid getting blindsided.

Dealing with resistance to change when you get a promotion can make or break your first 90 days. Many people are burned out on change, and they can be glassy-eyed at the prospect of anything you suggest. Hear how three respected leaders went through the school of hard knocks, and see what you can borrow from their journey to be more successful. They can help you better navigate the corporate river.

Selling your accomplishments to the right people in the right way isn't selling out, it's critically important in today's competitive work environment. Learn how to become an internal marketer for your ideas by using your voice to effectively deliver your message.

Many people are asked to coach others at work, but they're rarely given adequate training in how to do so. In order to coach someone with credibility and authenticity, there are three key concepts about yourself to consider. We are professional coaches with 20-plus years of experience with our thousands of clients. We'll share what the concepts are and how to implement them.

Doesn't it seem as though some people are just impossible to work with at times? If you've ever felt this way, you may be stuck in a cycle of mistrust. When trust breaks down, it's ugly. Rebuilding trust when it has broken down is aided by looking at the cycles of trust, but it also needs some other realizations and applications to make it really work. It's not quick or easy to rebuild broken bridges, but it can be done. We'll help you identify the ways to break out of this spin cycle and start to rebuild.

Did you know that the average employee needs five positive indicators for every critical one they get to think that you think they're OK? Reinforcement isn't just about giving a couple of "atta boys" now and again. Authentic inspiration and praise has many facets to it. We'll share some best practices from the best communicators Change Masters has seen.

You can choose to be at your very best when giving a presentation to a large or small group. Professional speakers and actors know that a critical success factor is preparing your body for the presentation so you are relaxed and energetic to be at your very best. This segment will help you prepare for a presentation or a big meeting.

If you're going to move your audience to take action, you need to move out of your comfort zone at critical times. How you open your presentation and answer questions in a presentation gives your audience a sense of confidence in how well you know your subject matter as well as tells them your level of capability and presence. We'll give your tips on how to give your presentations more impact and power and insights into managing Q&A with grace.

Ever have a project derail due to botched communication? Ever had someone say something you said earlier, and then get credit for it? Irritating, isn't it? To get your ideas heard and remembered, listen to this segment. You'll be much more effective in getting credit for your ideas and keeping your projects on track.

Presentations have a disproportionate amount of impact on our careers. Great ones can glean more positive attention than you can imagine. However, so often we talk ourselves out of being our best as presenters. This piece talks about some great ways to get your mind and body on your side instead of working against you.