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How to Deliver Your Key Message in Under 3 Minutes

As leaders, effective communication is paramount, and this month, I invite you to take on a challenge: deliver your key message in under three minutes.

Our various devices train us to cut through the noise, and our patience and attention span have become shorter. As a rule, try to get your core message across in any forum you work in three minutes or less. If you can do this, you will captivate your audience (internal or external stakeholders, clients, colleagues etc.), they will want to know more, and you will leave a lasting impact.

Craft and structure your core message with a hook, then explain the impact and value to the audience. Your objective should be to provide a compelling ‘aha’ moment and a clear path to fruition.

Embrace your nervous energy and let it sharpen your focus. Tailor your message to resonate and be audience-centric for a more significant impact, and then prepare and practice. Understand that you will have to remain adaptable during your presentation to meet the needs of your audience and be ready to pivot to address identified interests and concerns effectively.

When we present authentically, our personality and style are evident. By being authentic, you will build credibility and trust with your audience. When knowing your content, you don’t need a script. You can speak from a well-prepared outline which will help you overcome the temptation to read word for word and enable you to maintain a natural flow while highlighting key points effectively.

There is real power in your non-verbal communication and body language. Your body language needs to enhance your message, not detract from it. Practice mastering your non-verbal cues so you can see the influence of your body language on what you are saying.

When you are working out what to say in the first three minutes, think of these questions to help guide the points you want to get across:

  1. What is it you want to say and why?
    This will help you conceptualize what it is you are getting at.
  2. How does it work, or how will it help? 
    This will help your audience form a process map for utilizing the information you are sharing.
  3. What is the proof or accountability statement?
    Facts, figures, and proof of what you say must be referenced or provided.
  4. How can you help?
    Define how you can be of assistance, help or reference.

Prepare and practice for impactful communication. You can captivate, influence, and inspire your audience in three minutes. Remember, authentic and concise communication leaves a lasting impression. Step up to the challenge, and watch your messages resonate like never before.

 

7 Point Message Delivery Cheat Sheet

  1. Being a little nervous is a good thing. It will give you the adrenaline to be more alert when giving your message.
  2. Intently craft your message for your audience. Who is your audience? What choice of words and level of detail will work best? Answering these two questions will help you organize your key points correctly for a more significant impact.
  3. Focus on the audience. Even with practice, when the time comes to deliver your message, if the audience wants something different, you need to quickly pivot to what they need, or they will lose attention.
  4. Be yourself – authenticity is key. Let your personality shine when you present, giving you credibility and audience trust.
  5. Speak from an outline, not a script. When nervous, we tend to look down at our note sand read word for word. I encourage you to initially prepare by writing out all you want to say and practice your presentation verbally until you feel confident and then condense your presentation notes into an outline of only key points. Again practice, and you will find that speaking from an outline will enable you to be more natural in your presentation.
  6. Use body language. Not only are your words and tone powerful, but also your non-verbal’s. You want to ensure your body language does not detract from your core objectives.
  7. Nothing can replace preparation and practice. Review your outline and practice out aloud (yes, in front of a mirror, or tape yourself on Zoom and rewatch to critique yourself) until you feel confident in your verbal and non-verbal message delivery.

 

If you have any questions about drafting and delivering your key message, or want to learn more about the powerful benefits of executive coaching to elevate your leadership success, please reach out to askme@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.  If you want monthly leadership tips, sign up for my JRC newsletter.

 

Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

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Five Strategies to Help Break Free From Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common experience many people face at some point in their careers. Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by worries such as:

  • Feeling the constant pressure to do and be better.
  • Fearing that your colleagues think you shouldn’t have received your promotion or be in your current role and dreading the thought of being exposed.
  • Doubting your qualifications and believing you lack the necessary experience for your job.
  • Feeling like you’re faking it, convinced you don’t possess the skills, knowledge, or confidence required for your position.

If these fears sound familiar, let me assure you that you are not alone. Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where doubts and self-questioning arise, making you question your achievements and worthiness. It’s the nagging feeling that maybe luck, chance, or accident played a more significant role in your success than your actual abilities.

Even at this stage in my career, I pause and recalibrate when I find myself caught in the vortex of feeling like an imposter. It’s something many of us go through. In fact, one of my clients recently shared that even after owning and leading an exceptionally successful company for over 30 years, he still experiences these feelings.

According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, an estimated 70% of adults experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, no matter their background, education or experience. I’ve worked with numerous individuals who have an impressive list of accomplishments and are undeniably successful, and yet, they still struggle with feeling like frauds or undeserving of their success.

Continually second-guessing yourself and your actions can completely derail your path to success. If you find yourself on a cycle of setting impossible goals, sacrificing work/life balance, constantly questioning your judgment, or sabotaging your success, it’s time for a reboot.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

Five Strategies to Help You Navigate Imposter Syndrome

  1. Review your goals:  Ensure that your goals are “S.M.A.R.T.E.R” – specific, measurable, actionable, risky, time-bound, exciting, and relevant. Identify each goal’s “what, why, how, and when” and start tracking associated tasks. Tools like Asana can help you stay organized and on top of your goals and projects.
  2. Watch for red flags: Be aware of unsustainable work habits, withdrawal from collaboration, hesitancy to speak up or ask questions, and the use of endless excuses when timelines are not met. These behaviours can be indicators of imposter syndrome affecting your performance.
  3. Address imposter syndrome head-on: When these feelings arise, try to detach yourself from the emotions and focus on the facts of the situation. Challenge negative self-talk and remind yourself of your accomplishments and capabilities.
  4. Evaluate your growth objectively: Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, review your performance growth in objective terms. Embrace the evidence of your capabilities and the value you bring to your role. Look at how far you’ve come and the progress you’ve made, independent of competitive comparisons.
  5. Share your insecurities: Opening up and sharing your imposter syndrome feelings with trusted colleagues or mentors can help normalize what you’re experiencing. It often reveals that others have faced similar challenges and can provide support and guidance.

 

If you have any questions about Imposter Syndrome or want to learn more about the powerful benefits of executive coaching to elevate your leadership success, please reach out to askme@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.  If you want monthly leadership tips, sign up for my JRC newsletter.

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The Power of Saying “No”

We often have a never-ending to-do list and constant requests from our team, colleagues, and stakeholders. It can be tempting to say “yes” to everything and everyone, but is that the most effective way to lead?

I love this quote by American novelist Anne Lamott:

“No is a complete sentence.”

It is a powerful reminder that you do not have to justify yourself when saying “no.” Setting and communicating clear boundaries is critical to being a successful leader. Saying ‘no’ to specific requests, projects, or collaborations can be a strategic decision that allows you to focus on your priorities and achieve goals.

Understanding the Importance of Setting Professional and Personal Boundaries in Leadership

It’s crucial to establish boundaries that help protect our well-being and enable us to achieve our goals. Two types of boundaries that leaders often set are professional and personal boundaries. While these may seem similar, there are key differences between them.

Professional boundaries are guidelines and limits leaders set to maintain appropriate relationships with colleagues, employees, and other stakeholders. These boundaries help leaders establish clear expectations for their behaviour, prevent conflicts of interest, and maintain impartiality in decision-making.

Leaders can create a healthy work environment that fosters mutual respect and trust by setting professional boundaries.

In contrast, personal boundaries are limits and guidelines individuals set to protect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Personal boundaries help individuals maintain their autonomy, protect themselves from harm, and communicate their needs and values to others. Leaders can avoid burnout, reduce stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting personal boundaries.

Power of Saying No

The main difference is their purpose and scope. As a leader, it’s essential to understand the differences between professional and personal boundaries and set them accordingly.

However, both boundaries are essential for leaders to establish and maintain their effectiveness and well-being.

By prioritizing professional and personal boundaries, leaders can become more effective and successful in their roles.

Five Techniques That Will Help You In Saying NO!

Does this resonate?

‘I have such a hard time saying no!’

Saying “no” is not a sign of weakness or indecision but rather a demonstration of your focus and commitment to your goals. By embracing the power of “no,” you can become a more effective and respected leader in your organization.

  1. Prioritization Techniques: Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities to identify which requests or projects align with your goals and values. Use tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to help you decide better what to say “yes” or “no” to.
  2. Active Listening: Practice listening when receiving a request or proposal. Ask clarifying questions to understand the scope of the project, the timeline, and the resources required. This can help you determine whether you have the capacity and expertise to do the task.
  3. Saying “NO” with Empathy and a Smile: The most straightforward way I have found to say no is with a smile and the sincerest empathy and respect. Acknowledge the value and importance of the request, thank them for the opportunity, and say’ no.’ You do not need to explain why or give excuses. If necessary, you can suggest where help may be sought.
  4. Setting Clear Boundaries: Set clear professional and personal boundaries and communicate them consistently. This can help you avoid being overwhelmed by requests or projects that do not align with your goals or values. Boundaries will also help you establish expectations about your availability and workload with your team or colleagues.
  5. Saying “NO” to Say “YES” to Something Else: View saying “no” as a strategic decision that allows you to say “yes” to something else that aligns with your goals.

The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a productivity tool that helps people prioritize their tasks based on urgency and importance. It is named after former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who famously said, “I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.”

The matrix consists of four quadrants, each representing a different level of urgency and importance:

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important – urgent and important tasks, such as emergencies or deadlines.
Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important – tasks that are important but not urgent, such as planning, strategic thinking, or personal development.
Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important – urgent but unimportant tasks, such as interruptions or unnecessary meetings.
Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important – tasks that are neither urgent nor important, such as time-wasting activities or distractions.

Eisenhower MatrixJRC - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

The idea behind the Eisenhower Matrix is to ensure you spend time focusing on Quadrant 2 tasks, as these are important tasks that often get neglected due to the urgent demands of Quadrant 1. By prioritizing Quadrant 2 tasks, people can work proactively towards their long-term goals and avoid being overwhelmed by urgent but less important tasks.

The Tomato Technique, Aka The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It is named after the Italian word for “tomato,” as Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer as a student to track his work intervals.

When I first heard about this technique decades ago, I was not initially attracted as I am allergic to tomatoes (actual fact). That being said, anything that I can try that will improve my efficiency and productivity, I will always give it a try.

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, called “pomodoros,” followed by a short break of 3-5 minutes. After four pomodoros, take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.

During each Pomodoro, you focus on a single task without any distractions or interruptions. The steps of the Pomodoro Technique are as follows:

  • Choose a task to work on.
  • Set the timer for 25 minutes and start working on the task.
  • When the timer rings, take a 3-5 minute break.
  • After four pomodoros, take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.
  • Repeat the process until the task is completed.

The Pomodoro Technique can help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and manage your time more efficiently. It also encourages you to take regular breaks, which can help prevent burnout and increase productivity in the long run. Give it a try, and let me know how you find this technique.

Tomato Technique - Jenny Reilly Consulting

The Power Of Saying NO: A Core Leadership Skill

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, saying “yes” to everything that comes our way can be tempting. However, learning to say “no” is crucial for leaders who want to stay focused, productive, and true to their values.

By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing your time and energy, you can avoid burnout, reduce stress, and make more meaningful contributions to your organization.

Remember, saying “no” is not about being selfish or uncooperative. It’s about owning your time and energy and making choices that align with your goals and values.

Saying “no” can also create opportunities for growth and learning. Turning down tasks or projects unaligned with your goals can free up time and resources to pursue more meaningful or challenging activities. This can help you build new skills, expand your network, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s important to remember that saying “no” is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. As your priorities and circumstances change, you may need to adjust your boundaries and make different choices about allocating your time and energy. By staying aware and intentional, you can continue to grow and evolve as a leader.

Finally, it’s worth acknowledging that saying “no” can be difficult, especially in cultures or environments where overwork and “yes-man” mentalities are the norm. However, by modelling healthy boundaries and prioritization, leaders can inspire others to do the same, creating a more sustainable and compassionate work culture for everyone.

I encourage you to reflect on your boundaries and priorities.

  • Are there areas where you could benefit from saying “no” more often?
  • How can you communicate your boundaries effectively and respectfully to others?

If you want more information or support on this topic, you can book a 30-minute complimentary consultation to find out how Jenny Reilly Consulting can help you. Please email askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

 

Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

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The Importance of Transitions

“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.”
— William Bridges

This quote from William Bridges emphasizes the importance of transitions in our personal and professional lives. While some transitions can be challenging to prepare for, they can also give us energy, motivation, and inspiration. How we react during a change is critical to our success as leaders. We must focus on our leadership traits and how we react in different situations, primarily how we handle stress and unpredictability.

It’s essential to listen first, act consistently, and communicate transparently.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during a transition:

  • FOCUS on the next best step you can make and act on it.
  • THINK about the consequences of what you say and how you say it – before opening your mouth.
  • LISTEN to your team, ask questions, and be curious.
  • USE facts to back up your perceptions.
  • INVEST in what will put you in a better position to improve productivity.
  • CREATE a one-page document that includes your vision, values, strategy pillars, and targets – this will help you remain focused on what is critical to the triple bottom line and not get sidetracked.
  • FOCUS on what you are good at and what you can get results on that no one else can – delegate everything else, and don’t get stuck in the minutia.

Remember to be conscious of your time management, the talent you are surrounded by, and your operating rhythm to ensure you spend time on what matters most. Conduct a weekly review and preview of your priorities to stay on track and focus time quarterly on organizational operational and strategic issues.

Transitions can be challenging but can also be opportunities for growth and success. Embrace the change, focus on what you can control, and lead with clarity and purpose.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
— John C. Maxwell

If you have any questions or want to learn more on the powerful benefits of executive coaching to elevate your success, please contact us or reach out directly to jenny@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.

 

 

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First Impressions and Self Care

First Impressions Count

‘You never get a second chance to make the first impression.’
— Andrew Grant

It doesn’t matter the situation; first impressions count. You will always be remembered for your first interaction, so smile and go into it with the intent of the interaction being positive. You can’t fake a smile. You can see it in someone’s eyes (yes, their eyes) and body language and hear it in their tone of voice.

‘ Two things remain irretrievable: time and a first impression.’
— Cynthia Ozick

When you are 100% focused on those you are talking to, you will find yourself paying close attention to their language, mood and tone of voice. The more open and curious you are, the more they will be in return. I enjoy meeting new people. It is not the art of small talk that you need to meet new people; just plain good manners and knowing how to listen.

Take Care

Self Care - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

If your child, family member, partner, or workmate is not doing well– you stop what you are doing and take care of them and give them the attention they require. We often put ourselves last in our order of priorities. I have been guilty of not always prioritizing my health and have turned this around – if I am not at my best, how can I be my best with others?

Trust me, it is noticed if you are not sleeping well, eating well, getting exercise, taking note of your appearance or going to work ‘with a low readiness score, ‘ It’s time to take note of how you are ‘turning up at work and home.’

Two clients in January were singing the praises of their Oura ring (ouraring.com) that tracks their sleep score and readiness level, activity, heart rate and body temperature. I was intrigued and purchased one, which is an excellent accompaniment to my Apple watch. Both help me stay on top of how I care for and prioritize my health.

Surround Yourself With The Right People

Surrounding yourself with the right people in your personal and professional life is critical. It impacts your mood, motivation and engagement levels.

I often see in professional settings the hesitance to move someone on if they are not a good performer or fit for the position or team. They may have been a strong performer in the past; however, their heart is no longer in the job, or they are not in the right position. You are only helping an individual if they are in the right job, and placing an underachiever in a team of high performers can pull a team down. It is often assumed that the poor performer will pick up on excellent performer’s habits. However, the opposite tends to happen, and bad habits spread.

‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’
— Jim Rohn

Your team’s makeup is critical to its success. For each person in your team, rank them on their level of effectiveness in their position (1 low – to five high). For anyone, you rank as a three or under, define if training can help performance or if a position shift is the best alternative.

DISC

Everyone has their own psychology, so how you approach and talk to one person may not be the best way to speak to another. I have been using the DiSC profile with my clients and facilitated 100+ coaching sessions with this tool to help individuals be better communicators.

DiSC is an exceptionally popular behavioural assessment that helps individuals identify their behavioural styles and learn how to interact more effectively with others. The assessment profile will help you adapt your communication style and expectations to increase results, improve team performance, target new hires/clients, develop “rockstar” rapport, and more.

If you are interested in the DiSC profile, the cost is $150, and with an hours debrief with me and the assessment, it is $500. If you want a 60-90 minute training session with your team, the assessment costs $150 per person and a $1,500 workshop fee. Please contact us or reach out directly to jenny@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.

 

Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

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