Executive Communications Are Easy When You Conduct Them This Way

Summary

This video highlights five common mistakes people make in executive communication and offers solutions to improve. Key points include shifting the focus from impressing to making an impact, fostering fair exchanges, prioritizing communication skills over technical knowledge, positioning oneself to be discoverable rather than searching for opportunities, and articulating principles rather than merely sharing facts. The speaker emphasizes that effective communication is key to leadership and career advancement, urging viewers to rethink their approach and develop the right mindset, skills, and tools to succeed at the executive level.

Takeaways

• 😀 Executive communication should aim to make an impact, not to impress.
• 🤔 Avoid trying to puff yourself up in executive settings; this comes across as inauthentic.
• 💡 Successful communication at this level requires fair exchange—understanding and addressing different values and goals.
• 🔄 Simply sharing data or updates is not enough; you need to engage in a meaningful exchange to stand out.
• 🛠 Focus not only on technical skills but also on developing communication and leadership skills.
• 🔑 Communication at the executive level involves much more than speaking clearly—it's about leading, negotiating, and unifying teams.
• 🚫 Stop looking for opportunities—position yourself to be discovered by aligning with roles and responsibilities that fit your values.
• 📈 To make an impact, focus on communicating principles rather than just sharing what you know.
• 🌱 Developing the right mindset and skillset is essential for advancing into leadership roles.
• 💬 Overcome the fear of speaking to executives by focusing on impact and demonstrating value through communication.

Q & A

What is the first mistake in executive communication mentioned in the video?

The first mistake is thinking that the purpose of executive communication is to impress others, which leads to inauthentic communication.

What is the proposed solution to the mistake of trying to impress in executive communication?

The solution is to shift the mindset from impressing to impacting. Executive communication should focus on making an impact rather than trying to impress the audience.

Why does focusing on impressing others lead to inauthentic communication?

When someone tries to impress, they feel the need to puff themselves up, which creates a sense of superiority and causes the communication to come across as inauthentic or insincere.

What is the second mistake discussed in the video?

The second mistake is not creating a fair exchange in communication, where the needs and values of both parties are addressed equally.

How can one create a fair exchange in executive communication?

A fair exchange is created by understanding the values and priorities of all individuals involved and ensuring that both parties' important values are addressed in the communication.

What is the third mistake highlighted in the video?

The third mistake is focusing too much on technical skills and not enough on communication skills, which are crucial at the executive level.

Why are communication skills more important than technical skills at the executive level?

At the executive level, success depends more on the ability to effectively communicate, lead, and navigate complex interactions rather than technical expertise. Executives who communicate well tend to advance faster.

What aspects of communication skills are essential for executive-level professionals?

Essential communication skills include leadership, presenting, giving feedback, negotiating, and creating alignment within teams. It also involves navigating different communication styles and cultural backgrounds.

What is the fourth mistake discussed in the video?

The fourth mistake is looking for opportunities instead of becoming discoverable. Professionals often waste time searching for roles instead of positioning themselves to be found by others.

How can someone position themselves to become discoverable in their career?

To become discoverable, individuals should demonstrate their value and align themselves with the role they aspire to. By positioning themselves as someone who can fulfill desired responsibilities, opportunities will come to them.

What is the fifth mistake mentioned in the video?

The fifth mistake is focusing on communicating what you know instead of articulating principles. Merely sharing facts and data doesn't create transformation.

What should be communicated instead of just facts and information?

Instead of sharing facts, professionals should articulate the principles behind what they know. This approach significantly increases the perception of their value and their ability to make an impact.