Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates

I read Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates and wanted to share some of her excellent advice.

Bates Communications received 293 responses to a 2004 survey on ten dimensions of leadership.  The leadership value system articulated by the respondents included:

1. Honesty/Integrity in business and personal interactions.
2. Vision – have it, articulate it and inspire action.
3. Listening – approachable, open to suggestions, and flexible
4. Giving feedback – give credit publicly for jobs well done; regular constructive feedback, not once a year.
5. Emotional intelligence – communicate empathy and compassion, treat people well, and relate to them on a human level. Have a positive attitude, remain calm under pressure and demonstrate passion and commitment for the work.  Show appreciation for those who make things happen.
6. Clarity
7. Knowledge and Intelligence – smart in every sense of the word.
8. Managerial skills – delegate and allocate resources for greatest effectiveness and efficiency.
9. Follow-through
10. Humility – willing to seek information, ask for advice, take appropriate risks and admit mistakes.

Eight secrets for speaking well:

1. Talk about big ideas (Gettysburg address, Kennedy’s vision for going to the moon)
2. Speak in the moment (face questions head on)
3. Keep it Simple (explain the steps)
4. Be a Straight Shooter
5. Be an Optimist
6. Focus on the Future (In difficult times, we look to leaders for hope.)
7. Be Real
8. Stand for Something