Power & Pressure

"Words Sharp as Ice", Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

The Power and Pressure of Leadership

When things go wrong, we learn. We learn that assumptions lead to a variety of decisions and disappointments. We learn that communication isn’t as easy as we want it to be. We learn that even experienced leaders make off-hand comments that can blow up into major issues. Take Barrack Obama, for instance.

Jay Leno asked Obama about his bowling prowess, or lack thereof. That was the popular joke during the campaign. Obama proudly said he recently bowled a 129, and as Leno was mocking it, Obama joined in and compared it to the Special Olympics. "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."

Sure enough, we understand how the media works in North America. As does the White House. Spokesman Bill Burton released a statement aboard Air Force One after the show aired:

"The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."

Most leaders don't have media spokespeople to smooth the cuts.

Leadership Moments Count

"It's just a joke. Give him a break!"

The real message, though? Those little leadership moments DO matter.
Symbols count. Words count. What someone finds funny counts, too.
In a positive way, Michelle Obama shows that she knows the power of simple, influential moments. Lately, she's been on the national news almost daily as she promotes reading, taking personal responsibility, and now, gardening.

And among those who lately showed that they didn't "get" the power of a symbol are the long line of auto executives who asked for taxpayer handouts yet admitted before Congress that they had each flown a private jet to the handout proceedings. Also missing the point about the great power of leadership actions, decisions, words are the executives of taxpayer-propped-up banks who did not understand the taxpayer anger that large bonuses would invoke.

Leadership moments count...the words, the symbols, the jokes.

If you want the leadership spotlight, you get both: the power and the pressure.

The president is in a high-attention job. It's a cage, even. It's gilded, certainly, but it's a cage, nonetheless.

And among the things that go with the job he has, or any leadership job, for that matter, are an expectation that he won't perpetuate stereotypes, whatever they are, and an expectation that he will lead by positive example.

In planned statements and actions, and the "mindless" moments, too.
The mentally and physically challenged have feelings, the same as anyone else does. They're trying to maintain their dignity in a world that quickly reaches for the "R" word ("retard") to put people down.

Leadership means knowing the power and value of the spontaneous actions, reactions and words one uses.

It may take education, exposure to the real lives of the people someone makes fun of in an oh so simple "joke."

In this particular case, maybe President Obama should spend a day as a Special Olympics coach. Or work for a day with the handicapped in a sheltered workshop. Or volunteer for a day in one of the homes for the profoundly retarded that any state has to care for those who, by accident of birth, or illness, or by accident, itself, would never have asked for the circumstances they have, will never live lives completely on their own.
We all have moments we regret, a simple comment we didn't really mean. And yet...

If we are in leadership positions, we must remember, those simple moments count. And they are so very powerful.
Thanks to Source: http://www.jgrichardsresults.com/

Remember this, when sending emails with brusque subject lines -
"I'm Frustrated! " - or conversing with your colleagues in a coffee shop about what’s not working out. Someone may be listening, or reading, or assuming.

Your words could be sharp as ice. Cutting. Cruel. Memorable.

Leadership is 24/7... The power and the pressure are ALWAYS on.

Stage Fright Part 2

How to Write a Solid Introduction
(Part 2)

Suppose you were asked to introduce President Barack Obama at your organization’s special event. What would you do to prepare your introduction?

I’d be willing to bet, that “winging it” wouldn’t be in your vocabulary. You would find the time to do the research, contact his administrative assistant, collect important facts, and ask colleagues for their advice. You would make sure that the microphone on site works, and other logistics are handled professionally. You’d be so excited that you couldn’t sleep? Ten bucks says that you would be a great host for this special speaker!

Got you thinking?

All speakers, not just celebrities, require this kind of attention.

How to Write the Introduction

If you are the one who volunteers, or is volunteered, to introduce a speaker at an event, you might want to keep a copy of this column.

Scripting the introduction shouldn’t happen “on the spot”, nor should you be writing it on the back of a crumpled piece of paper like a grocery bill. I’ve developed a template that may help you in your preparation. Let me know if you find this useful.

The “Introduction” has three main elements, all beginning with “C”.

1. Character
2. Credentials
3. Connection

“Character” refers to the speaker as a person. Who are they? What is their personality? This opening portion is the “hook” for the audience.

“Credentials” refer to the qualifications of the presenter. What are the main points - not all the points - which apply directly to the audience’s understanding of the speaker as an expert on this subject?

“Connection” provides the presenter and subject link to the audience. What is the focus of the presentation and how does this affect the listeners? What can the audience look forward to hearing, seeing, doing and taking away from the time spent together?

Here’s an example of this template:

Our presenter, Maggie Chicoine (Chic Win’) claims that she is more than a seasoned speaker….she’s marinated!

Maggie’s company, The Idea Sculptor, was formed in 1986 and is based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a professional speaker, Master Coach and writer, Maggie’s clientele has a broad scope – from tribal chiefs in Ghana, Africa, to the boardrooms of Australia and the US, to Northern Ontario’s volunteer organizations and entrepreneurs. She delivers thought provoking and practical content with her trademark: “a twist of ingenuity”.

Maggie is a founding director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, and one of Northern Ontario’s most influential women. She is the Lead Facilitator for Leadership Thunder Bay.

This evening, she is sharing her experience as a Master Coach with you. Maggie is the expert in knowing how to turn a bad situation into a solid path for our leaders at XYZ Corporation. Her examples are so relevant that her guarantee is: no one sleeps.

Please welcome.... Maggie.


Sixty seconds: Character. Credentials. Connection.
Applause.....

###

Maggie Chicoine is a skilled presenter who coaches members of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the National Speakers’ Association (USA) in Master of Ceremonies skills. Reach her at 1 800 587 1767 or

How To Write A SOLID Introduction

How to Write a Solid Introduction
(Part 2)
Part 1 appeared January 26, 2009...See the Archive at http://www.theideasculptor.blogspot.com/

Suppose you were asked to introduce President Barack Obama at your organization’s special event. What would you do to prepare your introduction?

I’d be willing to bet, that “winging it” wouldn’t be in your vocabulary. You would find the time to do the research, contact his administrative assistant, collect important facts, and ask colleagues for their advice. You would make sure that the microphone on site works, and other logistics are handled professionally. You’d be so excited that you couldn’t sleep? Ten bucks says that you would be a great host for this special speaker!

Got you thinking?

All speakers, not just celebrities, require this kind of attention.

How to Write the Introduction

If you are the one who volunteers, or is volunteered, to introduce a speaker at an event, you might want to keep a copy of this column.

Scripting the introduction shouldn’t happen “on the spot”, nor should you be writing it on the back of a crumpled piece of paper like a grocery bill. I’ve developed a template that may help you in your preparation. Let me know if you find this useful.

The “Introduction” has three main elements, all beginning with “C”.

1. Character
2. Credentials
3. Connection

“Character” refers to the speaker as a person. Who are they? What is their personality? This opening portion is the “hook” for the audience.

“Credentials” refer to the qualifications of the presenter. What are the main points - not all the points - which apply directly to the audience’s understanding of the speaker as an expert on this subject?

“Connection” provides the presenter and subject link to the audience. What is the focus of the presentation and how does this affect the listeners? What can the audience look forward to hearing, seeing, doing and taking away from the time spent together?

Here’s an example of this template: (Reminder: large font makes this easier to read when you are nervous or the lighting at the lecturn is dim...)

Our presenter, Maggie Chicoine (Chic Win’) claims that she is more than a seasoned speaker….she’s marinated!

Maggie’s company, The Idea Sculptor, was formed in 1986 and is based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a professional speaker, Master Coach and writer, Maggie’s clientele has a broad scope – from tribal chiefs in Ghana, Africa, to the boardrooms of Australia and the US, to Northern Ontario’s volunteer organizations and entrepreneurs. She always delivers thought provoking and practical content with her trademark: “a twist of ingenuity”.

Maggie is a founding director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, and one of Northern Ontario’s most influential women. She is the Lead Facilitator for Leadership Thunder Bay.

This evening, she is sharing her experience as a Master Coach with you. Maggie is the expert in knowing ... how to turn a bad situation into a solid path for our leaders at XYZ Corporation. Her examples are so relevant that her guarantee is:... "no one sleeps".

Please welcome.... Maggie.


Sixty seconds:

Character. Credentials. Connection.



Maggie Chicoine is a skilled presenter who coaches members of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the National Speakers’ Association (USA) in Master of Ceremonies skills. Reach her at 1 800 587 1767 or www.theideasculptor.com. Her column, The Tuesday File, appears at Lake Superior News - www.lakesuperiornews.com weekly.