April 2022 – The Maximum Standard

The Croc Brain: Keys to Effective Presentations

A few years ago, I gave a presentation to a senior military leader. It was a brief I’d given several times before in different variations. I was well prepared, well-rehearsed, and felt both confident and nervous right before going on stage. It was GO time!

Four minutes in, this senior leader literally dismissed me. He said something to the effect of, “Yeah, thanks Steve. We have other things to talk about.” I slunk over to my seat in shame, and the meeting could not end fast enough for me.

He chewed me up like a crocodile.

While professionally embarrassing, this experience encouraged me to work on being a better presenter. I wanted to know the secrets…
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Click on this email to learn about effective presentations.

Message to Garcia

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

– General George S. Patton

I challenge you this week to task people with your intent and not specific instructions.

Your employees, collogues, kids, and spouse will all thank you!

Lead well!

Steve

The Lost Practice of Delivering Tough Feedback

In half all of companies, low performers are happier than high performers. How can this be?

It’s because leaders fail to hold their low performing employees accountable and overwork their best employees to compensate.

This week we look at a way to improve your ability to initiate tough conversations.

Lead well!

Steve

I Like Turtles – Joining the Conversation

Using one of my favorite videos of all time coming in at 17 seconds, this week young Jonathan the Turtle Lover helps us better communicate.

We all pre-script responses in conversations. But how much are we listening to the question?

Lead well!

Steve