Always begin with the end result or what it is that you want the audience of one or hundreds to walk away with. Is it an action item? Do you want to change an opinion or just ask them to consider your topic? Support your speech with relevant facts that resonate and always know what the audience wants from you. Think of the end result as a headline for the opening statement. Then, like an article, discuss the details that validate your theme. Once you begin to speak using this outline, your listeners will buy into your point.

Many companies go through changes which may mean laid off co-workers or staff with changed assignments which can leave long-term team members anxious. The best thing to do is to wish them well. Let them know how much you have enjoyed working together and if you are close to the person, give contact permission. Always maintain a positive dialog. Someday, it could be you who is affected by company changes.

The essential element of being a good boss is leadership including mentoring, keeping your word, showing empathy, using good listening skills and continuing to show appreciation for good outcomes. Good bosses stand for the success of their employees and work diligently to ensure opportunities emerge for them to shine including exposure to senior leaders. Good managers also put employees into situations to help develop interpersonal and communication skills.

It would be ideal to never be saddled with a bad boss. The type of manager who never appreciates what you do, who overloads you with unreasonable expectations and timelines and who sends you numerous emails late at night. This kind of leader can be brilliant, maybe even another version of a Steve Jobs, which is where value can shine through the craziness. You could be exposed to situations that provide insights into moments of high achievement.

As an example, when I was in sales, the owner was very demanding. However, as painful as it sometimes was, the skills I developed dealing with him helped turn me into a top sales person and trainer in less than two years, in a position I went on to hold for ten years. Even today, after twenty-five years, I still use many of those sales tools to procure and retain business.

Christmas red is very popular during the holiday season when see an explosion of the color. We find that the more reds we see in lights and decorations, the more our spirits get lifted… it’s beautiful!

Wearing reds can be a nice way to celebrate the holidays; however, when I see someone wearing red shoes, red stockings and a red suit… I say No, No, No!
To keep in the spirit, keep the red suit, dump the red shoes and stockings or keep the red shoes, stockings and skirt and wear black on top. I also love the red-beaded necklace on a black dress. A touch of red, especially around the neck, for the holidays is fun.

Questions I always ask are what is your expertise? What defines your brand? What experiences created the confidence that makes senior leaders say you are an expert in a field? Begin a list of how you have led a team to success including how the outcome delivered a positive, long-term result for your company. Start with words from those you have mentored or helped in a specific situation. Keep a journal of them. This will help you define and flesh out your brand.

It’s very unpleasant to be wearing newly stained clothing. There are two great products to have on hand to immediately use after an incident that will help you stay spotless.

Scotch Guard works terrifically by spraying it lightly on clothing (except silk). It works well with cotton, wool and synthetics by  preventing stains from being absorbed into fabric.

Another great product is the Tide spot remover pen. I keep it in my glove compartment so when I recently noticed a stain on my sweater, I was able to remove it immediately while en route and remain spotless for my next appointment!

Assisting nonprofits such as United Way, Red Cross, Shelter for Abused Women, etc., not only helps them out but it can develop your leadership skills. There will also be opportunities to strengthen communication skills and be creative in these roles. I know it has helped me tremendously in leadership positions on various boards as a director or the chair.

In Spectre, James Bond wears a closely-fitted suit, tailored like fine leather gloves designed by Tom Ford. Ralph Fiennes, who plays M, wears timeless suits crafted by the modern tailor, Timothy Everest. How a man in today’s business world wears a suit, including how it fits him, determines his style and, in fact, reflects who he is. A suit can suggest whether the wearer is conservative or progressive thinking and indicates his place in the business world… just like the men in Spectre.

Rambling confuses the listener and damages speaker credibility. Whether you’re addressing an audience of one or one thousand, determine what you want them to leave with. How clear is your message? Is it relevant to the situation? I have always been fascinated with political debates. I like observing if a candidate responds with clarity and conveys a strong message to any question that is asked.