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May 5, 2007
Transparency (or I'll go first)
This past week, I read Michael Hyatt's blog on the scourge of cynicism. Michael has taken another bold step in being a transparent leader. He is evidently having some challenges in implementing change at his organization. Now, every organization can and should go through organizational change. It is unrealistic to think that change can happen painlessly. What I was impressed with in Mike's blog is his utter and complete transparency as a leader.
Now, to his lesson applied to me...
I'm fortunate to work in a very exciting place where great things are happening for leaders and students in NC public schools. I spend about half of my time in management tasks and the other half of my time either working with various individuals to develop and deliver outstanding training and professional development. Mike's implicit point on transparency led me to audiotape myself engaging in some training with school principals on time management and delegation. I'm somewhat embarrassed by what I heard myself saying (or not saying). When I listened to the recording, I found myself using WAY too many instances of imprecise speaking. I heard myself saying "it", "things (or with my Texas drawl-thaings", and other words with imprecise meaning. Did my group of clients notice? I hope not. What it taught me was the incredible value of either listening or seeing yourself in a public speaking situation. Transparency. Or adapt Allen Iverson's rant on "practice-I'll be sure to practice and prepare in greater depth before any presentation.
Now, I'll likely post the series of podcasts for my Principal Fellows. Yet, I learned an invaluable lesson on how to improve my speaking skills. Now, I went first. My suggestion to you is to be more transparent-half of my work is speaking and training in public or school venues. Most of your public speaking work is either with principals (if you are in central office) faculty, community members or parents. Take the leap and audiotape yourself-nobody has to know your results. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
Practice? I'm absolutely no franchise player so I'm gonna stop talking about practice and start practicing!
Chris
Posted by chitch at May 5, 2007 8:13 AM