Many leaders are missing a key step when they communicate.
They start with what to say—to a client, a senior leader, or a direct report. They try to find just the right words. And then they try to infuse those words with authenticity, the perfect hand gestures, and the right facial expressions.
And they’re frustrated when it doesn’t work.
Clients often come to me for those strategies, but we always start with their mindset. Because without the right mindset, the strategies won’t work: Mindset drives strategy.
Communication starts with how you communicate—with yourself. Ask yourself,
Am I trying to prove something?
Am I feeling imposter syndrome?
Am I acting out of judgement?
If so, those inner struggles will taint your communication and be ineffective.
That’s why, when I work with clients through my keynotes or executive advisory work, we start with what drives them in their leadership. I ask, Why do you care about your work and the impact you want to have?
Effective leadership starts by how you lead yourself. Only then are you able to lead others.
Yes, you still need the skills, the frameworks, and the strategies.
Once you address mindset, then those skills, strategies, and frameworks become much easier to apply and much more authentic, because they are in alignment with who you are at your core.
Start with mindset, and then focus on strategies. That’s what makes you a more powerful communicator and a more effective leader.