The Situation: C Suite
James is being considered for the CEO position for a Fortune 500 company. The current management prefers him over another candidate because James has the knowledge and critical tools necessary to lead the organization into the future. However, when speaking in group settings, James either rambles or doesn’t speak at all.
The Solution/Action Plan:
James is a very effective communicator one-on-one and he has built a strong team around him. However, James gets a case of stage fright and becomes extremely nervous in meetings. The board strongly feels that in order to change their views, James must become more visible in meetings. He has a year and a half to improve his speaking skills in order to change their opinion. James realizes he needs to address his nervous in order to further his career. He begins coaching sessions, carving out an hour of his time every week with two goals in mind: first, to learn how to use his nervousness as a tool to help him prepare and second, to strengthen his communication skills. James never misses his coaching sessions. He sets goals to speak in front of audiences at least once a month and reviews his tapes in between sessions.
The Outcome:
One year later, James he is now being considered as the front runner to become the next CEO of the organization. The senior leaders and most of the board members see him as a viable candidate to replace the retiring CEO. James’s effectiveness in speaking on critical issues and ability to provide viable solutions shows he has the skills to grow the organization and become one of its leaders.
A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd