Seventy percent of organizational changes fail. That means for every ten CEOs or senior leaders trying to guide their teams through transformation, seven will fall short. Not because the strategy is wrong, but because the leadership is. And the cost is immense. Failed change can drain...
Most companies talk a good game about succession planning. Fewer execute it well. 86% of organizations say succession planning is a talent management priority, but only those with a formal process are 67% more likely to identify future leaders. Translation? The majority are just winging...
If you want to lead at the highest level, you must master influence—not through force, but through finesse. It's not about pitching an idea; it's about guiding others toward shared alignment—shifting their thinking, engaging their curiosity, and linking what you want with what matters most...
Over many years of consulting with senior executives I’ve found that most top executives overrate their own ability as effective communicators. That’s especially true when it comes to influencing others and achieving buy-in from teams, stakeholders, clients, and others. Whether you’re leading a large or small organization, here...
Managing company relationships up, down, and across the organizational grid is fundamental to the success of driving innovation. Innovation needs to be viewed not in an isolated way but as a collaborative mindset and culture. Those who want to inspire it need to exhibit thought...
A huge part of leadership communication is knowing how to successfully employ results-oriented communication that will consistently influence others like decision makers and team players. To lead with inspiration, conquer sales objections, and win approval for your ideas, you have to connect in such a...
One of the most pervasive obstacles to superior communication success that I have observed is that many people hear the word “persuade” or “sell” and they think that it is a manipulative behavior. Don’t let doubts undermine your communication power, and remember that persuasion is...
Nowhere is your status and capability as a thought leader more conspicuous than when you stand up to lead a meeting or give a presentation. Unfortunately, most people enter these situations unprepared to take advantage of this kind of golden opportunity. Instead of exuding outstanding...
Listen to the podcast [audio mp3="https://illustraconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/PODCAST_07012015_communicate_with_impact.mp3"][/audio] Here are four ways to improve your communications – whether those are over the phone, board room presentations, or electronic messages like email. #1 Cut Out the Fluff The key to clear and potent communication is to use only as many words as...
Listen to the podcast [audio mp3="https://illustraconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PODCAST_05282015_C_Level_Leadership.mp3"][/audio] I am asked by some of the largest corporate organizations to help their executives speak more effectively and influentially to the C-Suite. What’s the most common problem area I encounter? Most leaders who speak don’t adhere to the most important technique,...