Big reminder: it’s way easier to be present for other people, communicate effectively, and build successful business relationships when you’re not consumed by noticing/worrying about yourself.
If you are pre-occupied with imposter syndrome or your headache or your mortgage, the noise in your own head may keep you from noticing the possibilities for connection that exist with others, whether you are in a sales meeting, a performance review, or a media interview.
The Trusted Advisor, which was published back in 2000, says that self-orientation is the trust-killer.
Self-orientation can come from arrogance, like needing to look like the smartest person in the room. Or it can be fueled by a fear of failure and preoccupation about how you’ll be perceived.
Whether you’re battling arrogance or insecurity, the solution is the same: IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!!
Before you start an important conversation (or even a not-so-important one), it’s great to take the time you need to get your mind clear and your body settled. Breathe. Hydrate.
Next step – focus on what you’ve already learned about the other person in the conversation and what they need. Get ready to listen and learn. Then begin!
Take the risk out of being in the spotlight! I can prepare you, your teams and your leaders to tell your company’s story with confidence, shape the industry and maybe even change the world.
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