It’s amazing how many barriers we place in our own way.
We contort ourselves to fit into a corporate box, and as a result, our voices hesitate and our words falter. We don’t realize our power.
You have the power to:
- Say what you really want to say—instead of relying on corporate speak
- Make the decisions you believe are best—as opposed to deferring to the authority of others
- Show up in the way you want to show up—as opposed to meeting others’ expectations.
When you remove these barriers, you make better and faster decisions. You take advantage of opportunities more quickly. And your boldness inspires your team, helping them align around your messages. This in turn creates a sense of unity that fosters loyalty and prevents turnover.
How One Leader Took Back Her Message
I saw this in action with a recent executive advisory client.
This senior leader was often given talking points by her organization’s executive communication team, and she thought she had to deliver those talking points word-for-word. But they weren’t in her voice, so they sounded hollow. She was spending too much time memorizing words instead of focusing on the ultimate message she needed to deliver.
As we worked together, she realized that she had the power to set boundaries. She had the authority to create deadlines for when she received the talking points, and she had the autonomy to change the text (without changing the meaning) in order to find words that were more powerful (and easier to pronounce).
As a result, she was more effective in delivering those messages, which helped her come across as an authentic leader who genuinely cares about her team. This will bring her and her team closer together, especially during a time of change and uncertainty. Authenticity builds connection which builds trust.
The solutions are often within us—we just don’t give ourselves permission to use them.
The next time you have to deliver a corporate message, take a time out to pause & breathe. Ask yourself what you really want to say, and recognize you have the power to take control of the message.
Note: what happens when you disagree with the message? Stay tuned for that topic in a future post.