Succession Planning:
Building Executive
Skills on Top of a
Strong Technical Base
Maria
Schmidt, a 42 year old vice president had worked at a fast paced nationally-based
retailer for 20 years. She was a highly respected individual
within her company and, technically, considered second to none. Her team
was dedicated to her, and her projects always got done on time.
She
was quite nervous around senior management and, as a result, she was
tentative with her
ideas
in significant meetings. She also over talked her
points when anxious, which further impacted her perception. Maria’s
boss wanted her as his successor, but knew that since she was viewed as
task oriented, she would likely be overlooked by the board for more challenging
opportunities. He recognized the need for her to become more relationship
oriented.
Maria’s focus areas revolved around not only improving some nonverbal
aspects of her communication style, but also becoming more confident – she
had to believe in herself as a knowledgeable asset to her organization.
She had an MBA, always knew the facts, had numerous ideas for solutions
if need be, yet didn’t trust herself when speaking with peers or
superiors. She spoke cautiously and tended to be too detailed. She knew
she needed to lighten up and get in the game with senior-level executives,
but wasn’t exactly sure how to do it.
She
first learned from the video sessions how important her nonverbal communication
was
to make
a strong impression. To do so, she had to use
consistent, strong eye contact and manage her physical nervousness so that
her voice wouldn’t crack under pressure. She was given the tools
she needed to become more efficient at blending factual and persuasive
communication.
After
reviewing the survey data report, she realized she didn’t
have to prove herself right – she was already trusted and respected.
She learned that her peers viewed her as talented and smart and her confidence
soared. She was able to boost her delivery style to being 50% more expressive
with messages to senior management. She remained engaged at all levels
and her new poise and presence got her promoted twice in 18 months! She
is now leading and persuading individuals and does not just let her results
speak for themselves. She has developed her strength as a leader by pre-selling
her ideas behind the scenes before important meetings.
Maria
is now a senior vice president and officer of the company. The CEO, her
new boss, stated
that
he couldn’t be more pleased with the results
of her transformation. Her work with Change Masters helped her to successfully
succeed her boss. She was able to increase her comfort zone of being a
fantastic individual producer to being a solid, respected executive
leader of other technical individuals.
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