communications best practices | advising ceos & boards
TRANSCRIPT
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 1
Communications Best Practices for Advising Your CEO & Board of
Directors
Sales 2.0
Author | Speaker Pam Gilchrist
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 2
• As chief strategist at the Gilchrist Group®, Pam Gilchrist is a Fortune 100 leadership and communications expert. She advises organizations on how to have more impact by focusing on breakthrough business strategies, leadership, brand identity and influencer engagement.
• She works with organizations during times of dramatic growth and change and is well-known for her go-to-market roadmaps and high impact communications proven to increase influencer engagement.
• Pam is a requested speaker for organizations and events across the country. She shares insider best practices on optimizing strategic outcomes, strengthening leadership and engaging stakeholders.
Connect With Pam At: http://www.gilchristgroup.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelagilchrist.comhttp://www.twitter.com/pamgilchristhttp://www.youtube.com/pamgilchrist
Pamela Gilchrist, MA, APR, CPT
Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group Strategist | Speaker | Author
859-431-9090@pamgilchrist
About Your Webinar Speaker
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 3
1. CEOs are under fire:There is mounting pressure from all sides
2. Boards aren’t what they used to be. The changing nature of board and CEO relationships
3. Being a trusted advisor has never been easier – or harder. Communicators have unique challenges
Overview
Trusted Advisor
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 4
5 Areas Of Focus
1.What keeps your CEO up at night?It’s complicated
2.Who’s running the show? How the role of boards of directors is changing
3.Communicators: Leaders or Lemmings
4.What’s being a trusted advisor really all about?
5.Stop asking for a seat at the table. Stand up and lead!
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 5
What to Know #1 What keeps your CEO up at night?
It’s complicated• CEO Currency: Time | Money | Trust
• Short Tenure: (18-40 months) = Different priorities
• Every Company Is Different (No CEO school or on the job training)
• Strategy is more important than ever
• Increasing shareholder value
• Managing the board
• Adverse legislation
• Activists, business interruptions, scandals
• Dirty deals
• Staying a step ahead
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 6
What to Know #1 What keeps your CEO up at night?Things They Know They Should Focus On
• Fear of failure!• Clarity of vision and values • Talent management• Communication• Staying on top of the business,
not just working in the business• Board and Leadership Team management• Strategy and direction
When surveyed, only 5% of employees of major companies – 5%! – said they knew what the company’s overriding strategy was.
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 7
Why CEOs FailSource: Fortune Magazine
1. People Problems
2. Decision Gridlock
3. Lifer Syndrome
4. Bad Earnings News (the most frequent problem)
5. Missing in Action
6. Off-the-Deep-End Financials
Some CEOs are just
egomaniacal, vain, nervous,
conflict-avoiding cowards acting as alpha dogs to
avoid being found-out. Some
are in a popularity
contest, while others are
narcissistic or obsessive
compulsiveKEY:
Understand what and why
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 8
To create superior shareholder returns 60%, industry leadership 57%, customer
focus 53%, profitability 44%, best management 33%, best place to work 30%, best talent 25%, most innovative
23%, most admired 19%.
What to Know #1 What keeps your CEO up at night?Things They Know They Should Focus On
His mantra: Set a platform for the future. Ensure credibility. Slightly under promise.
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 9
What to Know #1 What Does Your CEO DO All Day?
Decision making: 5%
Articulating: 40%
Coaching/teaching/motivating:
40%
Forecasting (guessing): 5%
Admiration building (they like me):
6%
Reputation repair (they trust me):
1%
Restating, reemphasizing, reinterpreting:
20%
117
%*
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 10 What to Know #2
Who’s Running the Show? The Role of Boards is Changing
• Boards of Directors, inside and outside, are the CEO's only regular source of access to peers.
• 60% of all boards are CEOs
• Two of the most important responsibilities a CEO has are to manage his/her Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
• In both cases, CEOs should be actively involved in vetting and selecting these key people.
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 11 What to Know #2
The Impact of Dodd-Frank on Corporate Boards of Directors
•Financial reform
•Hundreds of rules required implementation and dominate the agenda
•Proxy access: 3%+ voting stock/3 years, to nominate director candidates, up to 25% of director seats.
•No brokers voting shares for director elections
•SEC Whistleblower program
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 12 What to Know #2
The Impact of Dodd-Frank(Continued)
•Disclosure Of Leadership Structure (CEO/Chairman)
•Affects CEO succession planning and strategy•Companies must use a clear and transparent process
•Executive Compensation “Say on pay”
•Includes: say on frequency, say on golden parachutes at least once every three years and that companies are required to hold a “say-when-on-pay” vote at least once every six years to allow shareholders to decide how often they would like to be presented with the say-on-pay vote.
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 13 What to Know #2
What CEOs want most from their Boards
• Active interest, insights, oversight and advice
• Hands off the day to day running of the company
• What CEOs want most from their Leadership Teams:
• Intellectual integrity
• Healthy debate
• Commitment and loyalty to the final decision made after a healthy debate
• Commitment to the team and company’s success
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 14
What to Know #3Communicators: Leaders or
Lemmings?Strategists like to work with other strategists.
How strategic are you?• Assume a much more aggressive and have helpful
management perspective on the business? • Adapt to these new, more urgent, time sensitive executive
management demands? • Understand CEO goals and potential short tenure is key to
developing communication strategies that achieve their objectives.
• Apply skills in communication planning, messaging and execution, you will help the organization achieve its imperatives and cement your position as a trusted adviser.
• The environment in which we operate provides its own set of tensions – speed, diversity, customization, access
• Effective interpersonal communication with CEOs is a crucial skill set for today's executive communication advisor
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 15 What to Know #3
Tips on Advising LeadersAs a leader, or communication advisor to a leader,
ask yourself these questions about stakeholder communication:
1. Is my face to face, electronic and print communication effective?
2. Do my stakeholders perceive me as credible?
3. How do I stay in the credibility zone?
Trusted Advisor
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 16
What to Know #3 Great Advisors Apply Rogen's "4Cs"
1. Context. Manage expectations up front so that your audience is tuned to what you are going to say and not left frustrated about what you didn't say. "What's In It For Me?" reason to pay attention.
2. Clarity. Tune messages to the audience's needs and issues. Make messages persuasive or compelling. Draw on the benefits, consequences and evidence that are relevant to each stakeholder. Answer: Why now?
3. Congruence. What you see and experience can be more important than what you read or hear. Tone and nonverbal elements of delivery must match the intent of your messages. Are you bring words to life or suffocating them?
4. Channel: Is goal to inform, to engage or to persuade? What are the communication preferences of my audience?
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 17 What to Know #4
What’s Being a Trusted Advisor Really All About?
The role of an advisor is earned not assigned.
• So what can you do to earn it?
1. Preparation2. Experience3. Exposure4. Reputation
• Refinement of Character
Qualities Of Strategic Advisors
Steadiness
Consistency of character
Authenticity
Ability to mask opinions and control emotionsPatience
Steadfastness
Balance
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 18
What to Know #5Stop Asking for a Seat at the
Table. Stand Up and Lead!
• Boring topic
• Leaders don’t ask permission – they lead
• Put on your big boy/girl underwear
• If you add value – you will be included
• Know what matters
• Take action and assert yourself
• Be accountable
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 19
What to Know #5Stop Asking for a Seat at the
Table. Stand Up and Lead!
• Are you a 24/7 person? (Are you available and will you help on a 24/7 basis?)
• Make sure the key plans and programs really are in the interest and timeframe of current top management
• Help the CEO achieve his/her objectives and goals -- now
• Help the organization achieve its overall goals
• Links shorter-term goals and programs with enduring goals and programs
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 20
5 Strategies That Work
1. Learn The Language Of The Tribe
2. Be A Strategic Leader
3. Add Value Always
4. Get A Personal Brand
5. Shout Your Success
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 21
Strategy #1Learn the Language of the Tribe
If you want people to listen, you need to speak their language.
• Demonstrate your interest in an audience and its issues
• Know the business, the language of business and the metrics for success
• Understand the power structure, unique customs and agendas
• Set the right context, having compelling messages, being congruent in words and actions and delivering the messages using the right mix of channels
• Understand stakeholder perceptions
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 22 Strategy #2
Be a Strategic Leader• Are you perceived as leader or technical expert? Enhance your credibility as a leader with leadership
• Be a joy to be around
• Be above reproach
• Be a good steward
• Be able to keep a secret
• Be a rock
• Be free of negativity
• Be able to see the big picture
• Be comfortable letting others run the play
• Be passionate
• Be wise
• Be confident
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 23 Strategy #3
Add Value Always• Be a listening post
• Provide valuable intelligence
• Know the numbers
• Know how to de-tune intensity
• Use common sense
• Ask yourself: “What will this conversation be one year from now?”
• Understand agendas and personal behavior drivers – everybody’s got them
• Is it nice or necessary
• Avoid tyranny of the urgent
• Focus on the critical few not the endless many
• Ask: “How can I add value today that will matter tomorrow”
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 24 Strategy #4
Get a Personal Brand Your personal brand enhances/inhibits your credibility
with senior leaders
What is your “Executive Presence”
How do others perceive you?
• You are the message! Roger Ailes
• Do you manage the message or the meaning?
• Are you a forethought or afterthought?
Constantly manage, and if necessary, change your personal brand
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 25
Strategy #5 Shout It Out -- Appropriately
• Stand on the table and shout!
• Evidence of success
• Outcome based
• Results focused
• Share strategically
• Quarterly reports
• What’s next
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 26
Extra Insight:
• Trust is the foundation of all relationships
• Character matters with persons of influence
• Connect and build positive relationships
• Model the vision and values of your company
• Listen to understand and engage, not just hear
• Tune radar to the WII-FM CEO channel 24/7
• Know that values drive decisions and decisions drive behavior
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 27 Extra Insight: Become Emotionally Intelligent
• Emotional intelligence is the hidden factor in relationships and communication
• Emotions influence the way you relate and react to others — often without your awareness
• Strong relationships are based on emotional intelligence
• Mastering the tools of emotional intelligence
• Nonverbal communication speaks louder than words
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 28
Emotional awareness helps you:
• Understand other people
• Understand yourself, including your deep-rooted needs
• Get motivated and take action to achieve goals
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Attract and influence others
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 29
Insight: How To Improve Relationships In Under A Minute
• Stop, look and listen
• Listing Posts (listen, watch, learn)
• Look at situations through the other person’s eyes
• Ask pertinent questions (sales cycle, support, customer pain, etc.)
• Set ego and expertise aside to collaborate for best-practice
solutions that drive revenue and build success
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 30 Case Study 1:
3 CEOs In Less Than 5 Years
1. Different personalities/agendas
2. Trust Issues
3. Politics
4. Survival of fittest for communications advisors
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 31 Case Study 2:
It’s All About The Money – My Money• The problem with Golden Parachutes
• Short-tenure
• Lack of commitment
• Only lackey’s and lemmings need apply to be communications “advisors”
• The truth just gets in the way
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 32
Is Your Alliance To The CEO or The Board?
• 50/50 shot of being right – or wrong
• Read the tea-leaves
• CEOs think they trump the board
• Board trumps CEO
• The wrong alliance is a “career limiting move”
Case Study 3:
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 33
5 Top Secrets To Success
1.Likeable
2.Believable
3.Credible
4.Expert
5.Trusted
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 34
FAQs Q1: How do I get access to the CEO?A: Come early, stay late, add value
Q2: How do I know what’s going on with the board?A: Your advisors, other executives, CEO’s assistant
Q3: How best can I add value
A: Align every communications with business outcomes or strategy
Q4: How do I develop my personal brand?A: Create your own strategic plan, or work with an executive coach
Q5: How best do I keep up with industry and business trends?A: Read, read, read...
Q6: How do I balance everything? A: Nimble, multi-tasking, prioritizing
Q7: What happens if I lose my credibility?A: You may, or may not be able to recover. Always have a resume ready.
Q8: Where can I go for help?A: You need trusted advisors as well. Independent consultants and small firms work best.
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 35 Key Take-Aways1.Know what keeps your CEO up at night:
It’s complicated
2.Understand how the role of boards of directors is changing
3.Be a strategic leader
4.Earn trust and respect by adding value always
5.Stand up and lead!
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 36 Q&A SESSION
What Questions Do You Have?
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 37
Communications Best Practices for Advising Your CEO & Board of
Directors
Sales 2.0
Author | Speaker Pam Gilchrist
Presenter: Pamela Gilchrist, Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group @PamGilchrist Execsense.com© ExecSense, Inc.
Slide 38
• As chief strategist at the Gilchrist Group®, Pam Gilchrist is a Fortune 100 leadership and communications expert. She advises organizations on how to have more impact by focusing on breakthrough business strategies, leadership, brand identity and influencer engagement.
• She works with organizations during times of dramatic growth and change and is well-known for her go-to-market roadmaps and high impact communications proven to increase influencer engagement.
• Pam is a requested speaker for organizations and events across the country. She shares insider best practices on optimizing strategic outcomes, strengthening leadership and engaging stakeholders.
Connect With Pam At: http://www.gilchristgroup.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelagilchrist.comhttp://www.twitter.com/pamgilchristhttp://www.youtube.com/pamgilchrist
Pamela Gilchrist, MA, APR, CPT
Chief Strategist, Gilchrist Group Strategist | Speaker | Author
859-431-9090@pamgilchrist
About Your Webinar Speaker