How can you influence executive decision-making with your communication skills?

To influence executive decision-making and enhance your internal brand through nontraditional communication. Be different, sharp, talk less. Let your work speak for itself. ?? Craft compelling narratives that showcase innovative approaches, & emphasize the impact on business outcomes. ?? Use storytelling techniques to make complex ideas relatable & memorable. ?? Engage exec's through interactive presentations, workshops, or ways that create a lasting impression. ?? Foster open communication channels, seek feedback, & be adaptable. ?? Showcase the value of your unique style in driving positive results. Executives love clear, concise, factual info that shows ROI. Trust No BS. Logic over Emotion. Summarize the highlights. ??

Part of this is also being able to create a truthful relationship where you need to uncover and understand the following: - where the challenges are - what their concerned about - are there threats and risks that need to be considered -current day and historical context. You cannot build a smart way forward if you do not understand what has gone before you in terms of initiatives and plans. What has been successful and why? If something did not go to plan why was this. Build a holistic, detailed picture of your audience early.

Without knowing the other person's motivations and mission you run the risk of going off track. To make sure this aligned you are going to need to know what inspires them. This takes time to set down and have some honest, truthful discussions. You'll need to be clear on your motive and intent up front. What do they define as high value outcomes and impacts and are you aligned? Identify this as early as possible to ensure your communication is both relevant and meaningful.

From my experience... ?? What turns executives off is the lack of pure effort. ?? They want to know that you've done your ?? research. ?? They welcome great opinions, but prefer to see facts %. ?? Avoid talking aimlessly w/o clarity, great stories, or proof. ?? Highlight the risks to show 360° analysis + a competitor view. At the end of the day - confidence & doing the work, Go a long way with executive influence. ?? #executivecoach #brandstrategist

If we are being truthful they will also want to know how it will help them achieve their own targets, outcomes and impacts so they look favourable in the eyes of stakeholders. A large part of your role will be making sure that your recommendations take them closer to these goals and not further away. All the whole removing or mitigating any risk that may be present. And still need to deliver on your own agenda. There are a number of tightropes you are needing to walk. Evidence and social proof is going to be essential to driving your recommendations and pushing against the tide. Which you will experience at times.

Some ways to get started if selling to an executive. .. ?? Strong, confident introduction is paramount. ?? Asking effective questions 2 understand is foremost. ?? Speak up, slightly faster than average with sincere conviction. ?? YOU must believe in what "you're" about to say before anything. ?? Brief, detailed overview with compelling stories 2 address concerns. ?? Be personable, assuring, provide proof and always be willing to walk... away from the table, effortlessly. Your time is valuable, but their time is short. Your solution is a transformation they can't afford to miss so act like it! #executivecoach

I've always found managing people's expectations early on is crucial. Be fair and reasonable about what you can deliver on and what you would need their role to be in this work. They need to clearly see the benefits of being part of it. You will also need to ensure that there are clear timeframes and milestones for everyone to deliver on. Engagement comes from buy in and ownership so make sure you can co-design your approach where relevant. Also before you get to this point know what you are willing to negotiate and not negotiate on and why. In terms of your communications scope. It's easy to feel the pressure and be side tracked but this will end in tears. Yours.

Depending on how long the project is there will always be clear guidelines around - how often you will check in - the means of keeping connected - the agenda/ what's the purpose of following up - what you are wanting to deliver and by when - a clear, ongoing process for sharing advice - how you want to identify and address gaps, threats and risks