Situational Leadership & a Slight Wobble in Shanghai

Early in August 2022 I presented to Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club (SLTMC).  It’s a large Toastmasters group with almost 50 members.  The club is full of young, ambitious achievers and virtually all reside in the amazing city of Shanghai, China, although these days with online meetings and hybrid meetings, it’s easy for people to join or participate from anywhere in the world. Coincidentally, on my first visit to China in 2008 I visited this club in person. At that time there were 60 clubs in all of China, and 14 years later there are ten times that number.

I was invited to speak on the always relevant topics of communication and leadership skills, and my experiences. Here is a link to a 45-minute cut out from the full meeting https://youtu.be/wea6ua3LaK8

There are some interesting elements here;

1.     Hybrid Meetings We all need to learn effective methods to lead hybrid meetings based on technical talent, available equipment, room setup, mix of attendees, wi-fi capacity and more.  SLTMC has access to tremendous resources including a massive screen, multiple cameras and tremendous technical talent.  This meeting went well, although those online, including me, lost communication with the room at one point late in the meeting.  That’s not on the video unfortunately, but understandably, however the in-room team managed the temporary outage well.  They needed to ask in-room attendees to limit their wi-fi consumption in order to reconnect and provide a good experience for all. Although it wasn’t obvious until a group photo was taken at the end of the proceedings, there were about 50 people in the room and more than 30 people online.

2.     Screen-in-screen There’s quite a mesmerizing screen-in-screen video effect at the 5:20 mark as the image on screen projects an in-room speaker. Notice the time delay in the multiple images projected.

3.     Opportunity To Connect I typically help audiences realize that leadership, and public speaking, are skills and skills require some knowledge, some feedback, and I believe most importantly practice. To illustrate this, I usually reference talented athletes who practice basic skills, much like we need to practice basic speaking and leadership skills. Considering this audience in Shanghai, I recognized the opportunity to show respect and connect well by referencing retired Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, who was born in Shanghai and played for the Houston Rockets, the Shanghai Sharks, and the Chinese national team.  By the way, his autobiography A Life In Two Worlds is a great read about the sport and cultural differences as he describes his experiences in China and in Houston.  

4.     Slight Wobble For this presentation I worked almost entirely without slides although I had a few ready. I had prepared my presentation to deliver some core material and then leave a couple of options to address if there was time, and based on any other discussion that took place prior to my presentation or during my presentation. In this case I decided to share my favorite leadership model, Situational Leadership from Hersey-Blanchard, with the Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters club, and this portion of my speech was a little wobbly. It starts around the 27:00 minute mark.   I share this because, while I know this material well and speak about the model often, I wasn’t as prepared and organized on the topic as I could have been for this presentation. I believe the message landed adequately, but I could have presented this much more clearly if I had committed to present this material beforehand instead of leaving it as an option.

5.     Q&A Management There is a Q&A session at the end of the video hosted by the Toastmaster of the day Rob Sherman.  Rob lives in Shanghai, and is originally from Boston where he was vacationing at the time of this presentation. Rob does a very good job managing the audience for the Q&A, including the last participant who struggled to concisely state his question. Rob provides a good example here of managing a Q&A session.

As Toastmasters nears our 100^th year as a not-for-profit organization, I’m proud of our presence in 144 countries around the world. As a comparison, the entire United Nations is comprised of 193 countries. 

This recording of my presentation to the Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club enables me to see what went well and where I can continue to improve. I appreciated the opportunity to connect again with the group. 

 

 

Perfectionism Is A “Kind Of Disease”

Perfectionists don’t get anything done. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, although perfectionist tendencies can certainly be a barrier to production. And the actor who played Mr. Bean seems to agree.

Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)

Rowan Atkinson, known for the character Mr. Bean among others, recently said “perfectionism is a kind of disease” and that he rarely laughs when he watches his own work. He elaborated on “thinking about whatever you’re doing, (that) you could do better,” and he sees that as a problem.

The article is here

 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rowan-atkinson-interview-man-vs-bee-netflix-sw7gfcvfc

I’m not convinced that believing you can always do better is a problem, but if it prevents someone from producing anything, then that is certainly a problem. It’s a surprising comment from Atkinson because he has been very prolific over his career.

Seth Godin on Perfectionists

My friends Dave Veale and Greg Hemmings host a podcast. They are quite prolific as well with over 200 episodes. Their Boiling Point Podcast has had some amazing guests over the years.  One of the most popular was marketing guru Seth Godin.  Godin has written several books and he writes the exceptionally popular blog  https://seths.blog/.  When Seth visited The Boiling Point, he told the hosts that perfectionists are cowards because they never bring anything to completion.   I’ve read his works before and he has pushed against perfectionism, but calling perfectionists cowards was quite dramatic and quite strong language.  Likely too strong but sometimes we need to be a little dramatic to land a point.  You can listen to the episode here.

https://boilingpointpodcast.com/boiling-point/seth-godin-says-perfectionists-are-cowards-heres-why/

Minimum Viable Product

Godin continued and clarified that he wasn’t indicating to ship product before it was ready, but to avoid trying to create the perfect product. An abundance of business material preaches to deliver a minimal viable product to a market that you believe needs the product, and let customer feedback shape future, improved, more feature-rich versions. 

I understand Godin’s strong comments. I also understand the perceived risk of content producers, however I believe that there will always be people that dismiss your work regardless how much polishing that takes place.

Tough Feedback in Philadelphia

I have a personal example of this. I‘ve delivered hundreds of presentations over the years. Sometimes after a presentation, the hosts collect written feedback and comments, primarily for their own purposes in determining if they should re-book a speaker in the future. Sometimes they share the comments with the speaker, as in this example.

About ten years ago I delivered a presentation on situational leadership to a group of about one-hundred attendees in Philadelphia.  It went very well.  As always, after the presentation I thought ‘whoops I forgot to mention this minor point,’ and ‘one of those transitions could have been much more smooth.’ But it went well. The audience was engaged, and there were lots of questions.

 

Feedback Comment Forms

Afterwards the hosts collected comment forms.  Usually, attendees simply comply, and quickly and half-heartedly check off high scores with comments like ‘was great,’ ‘speaks a little quickly at times,’ and ’good material.’    At this event three people wrote ‘doesn’t know what he’s talking about’ ‘never want to see this speaker again’ and ‘I wasted 45 minutes.’  These are direct quotes because I’ve kept these forms, simply as a reminder to me.

These opinions are valid. These three attendees clearly didn’t benefit from my presentation. Their comments remind me that there will often be attendees who don’t enjoy my work. Rarely will an entire audience, of a significant size, enjoy a presentation. That shouldn’t stop me, and it shouldn’t stop you.

Perfectionist Tendencies

If you have perfectionist tendencies, take solace in knowing that someone won’t enjoy your work. But many will. If you think someone might not like your work, you’re correct.  That shouldn’t stop you from releasing your work in some form. Perhaps with a minimal viable version that will take you closer and closer to your ultimate product.

 

 

 

 

The Gift of Someone Else’s Enthusiasm

Today I had a conversation with a new member of our Rising Tide Toastmasters club.  She joined last week and is eager to start participating, receiving feedback, and developing her skills.  The first speech a member delivers is always an Ice Breaker, a four-to-six minute speech to introduce herself to the group.

New Customers and New Toastmasters Members

The new member clarified our modest expectations. Although Toastmasters isn’t a pass/fail organization, she wanted to discuss the expectations, the general approach to her first speech, and also asked for some more advanced tips. I offered a couple including to always focus on what she as a presenter desires the audience to do differently, think about differently, or what action she wishes them to take. She will deliver her first speech at our weekly meeting Tuesday 7:15-8:30 a.m.

After our chat I thought that it’s an absolute gift to be exposed to someone else’s enthusiasm. When we offer a product or service that we play a part in enabling, and someone is excited to participate or buy, that is very energizing. It will be fantastic to see her first forays into public speaking, and watch and support her development.

Sales -  Recognizing Enthusiasm And Asking For The sale

An element to this is recognizing someone’s enthusiasm and then supporting and nurturing it, whether we’re developing their talents or offering a product or service. I remember many years ago moving to a small town.  When I was getting the television service connected (yes television - this was many years ago), I chatted with the installer about the move.  I mentioned I liked the town, but I had a few disappointments including being out of range of the college radio station I liked to listen to back in Saint John.  This was before such services were available on the internet. 

When I indicated I missed that station the installer said his company had a service that made this available.  I responded with a simple, delighted "really?!?!”

“Yeah, we just grab the signal, run it through some amplification and then rebroadcast it on one of the channels." I didn’t really care how it worked, but he felt a need to explain this.

I was pumped to know that I might be able to receive that radio signal. I was ready to buy. But there was only silence between us.  An overly long pause.

Finally, I offered "how much does that cost?"

"Something less than $10 but I’m not sure of the exact amount."

I could afford $10 a month. I was ready to buy, but again there was silence.

After another extended pause I said "can I get that?"

And he said "sure, no problem."

Years later I still recall this interaction as an example of asking, or not asking, for the sale.  Perhaps the technician didn’t recognize he had made the sale and only needed to close. As a customer I was enthusiastic, and ready to pay for this additional service, and the installer just needed to ask. I’m sure he wasn’t trained in sales, but I continue to wish he had recognized my enthusiasm, and asked, but instead I had to ask to purchase.

Recognizing Enthusiasm

I’m pleased that our new Toastmasters member is so enthusiastic.  It’s a gift for me to witness such enthusiasm. I’m sure it’s a gift for you when you’re greeted with spontaneous enthusiasm. To be successful at sales, marketing, and working with people in general, we need to show enthusiasm for our products and services, and recognize, acknowledge and nurture it in others.

Comfort Zones, Leadership and Listening

 

“Most people listen with the intent to reply, rather than with the intent to understand.”

That’s a quote from author Steven Covey from his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Do you agree with the sentiment? I admit that there are times when I’m simply waiting for my turn to talk. This usually happens when I’ve heard something I disagree with and feel a need to assert my point of view.  

I have become better over the years in these situations by simply making a note of my point, then focusing again on listening, and then making my point later. This is helpful as a participant or leader of contentious meetings.  I wrote about running better meetings here amazon.com/author/jimkokocki

I’ve improved my listening skills because of personal experiences, and because of roles I’ve served in business and volunteer groups. My active listening skills have improved immensely because of my weekly participation at a Toastmasters club.

At Toastmasters I’m often invited to evaluate a speech. While Toastmasters isn’t a pass/fail organization it is critical, if we’re to be effective at developing the communication and leadership skills of participants , that we listen effectively, and offer commendation and any suggestions for improvement with grace, protecting the self-esteem of the member.

There are other ways Toastmasters members practice listening skills at our meetings. For example, one member counts and reports on the use of ums and ahs, you knows, and other filler words and phrases. Most people will use a small quantity, but overuse becomes distracting and impedes the ability of an audience to receive and process a message.

Listening is also critical as a coaching skill. At times people simply need a sympathetic ear. When conflict occurs often the people involved merely need to tell their view of the conflict.  Most people don’t want to hold anger for a long time. Sometimes they simply need to tell their story and expunge the rage.  You can read more about managing conflict here https://gycz.blogspot.com/2022/02/dealing-with-team-conflict-real-and.html

“Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.”  That was said by Bernard Baruch who was a massively successful businessman and statesman  (https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/us-history-biographies/bernard-m-baruch)

You can find abundant material offering methods to become a more skilled listener. Some good techniques to enhance your knowledge are offered here https://www.inc.com/matthew-jones/10-simple-steps-to-highly-effective-listening.html

 Some knowledge of techniques and approaches is helpful. But listening is a skill. How are you practicing and improving your listening skills?

Comfort Zones – A Sales and Decision Making Model

How do people make decisions?  A helpful way to consider how people progress through decision making is with decision making models.  A long time ago I learned about a model that works for marketing, sales and public relations.  I know the model as AKIDA, although it’s usually simplified as AIDA.

What is the AIDA model and the AKIDA model?

The AIDA model is comprised of

-         Awareness

-         Interest

-         Desire

-         Action

Here’s how it works. If a prospective customer isn’t aware you exist, he doesn’t buy your product obviously. If the prospect is aware you exist, he may develop interest in your product. A change in his needs and life circumstances may drive desire to purchase your product. And finally, a further life change, or a sales promotion you offer, may drive action to purchase your product.  Moving through these stages may take minutes, but it may take years.

The AKIDA model inserts knowledge after awareness.   This makes sense to me because without some knowledge of product features, benefits, and success stories it makes progression difficult. I suppose knowledge may be implicit with awareness, but I find it helpful to see it clearly called out.  It becomes obvious that part of our roles in sales, marketing, public relations and leadership is to drive awareness and knowledge that develops interest, desire and action.

An Example of AIDA (AKIDA)

Here's an example.  I’ve been an avid cyclist for years, and have a couple of nice bikes.  I’m generally aware of e-bikes, which are not terribly new, but are becoming much more popular these days.  I have awareness, but little knowledge about price, benefits, and I haven’t had discussion or thoughts about how they might fit my lifestyle or my transportation needs. I have awareness.  I have little to no knowledge.  I have no interest, desire or action to purchase. But it may be the case that an e-bike would be a great option for me now. So vendors need to be effective at driving messages to prospects like me to see us progress along the purchase decision.  

How To Expand Your Comfort Zone

I share this because I’m interested in how people make progress in expanding their comfort zones, which is in itself a decision. I’m interested in how you make such progress. Do you have awareness of what holds you back from making progress on goals and aspirations?  Do you have knowledge on options and alternatives that will set you on a path to making progress?  If you have awareness and knowledge how strong is your interest and desire to take action.

I spend a lot of time developing speakers both professionally and in Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a low-cost high value option to develop improved overall communication skills, public speaking skills, soft skills and leadership skills.  I’ve seen people join Toastmasters who say that they’ve known about Toastmasters for years but a life change drove them to take action.  Often there’s an urgent need to address a skills gap. Sometimes it’s a retirement speech, or a speech at a wedding, or a desire to play a role in their community.

The AKIDA model helps in planning how to reach prospects and offering solutions to their needs.

A Recent Podcast Appearance

A recent podcast appearance speaking about communication skills and approaches, as well as Toastmasters  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYaHngJE6ak&t=1138s

10 Ways Toastmasters Can Boost Your Career

 

An excellent article on the benefits of joining a Toastmasters club 

https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/boost-career

Public Speaking - Growing Your Comfort Zone

 

Public Speaking - Growing Your Comfort Zone

Do you want to become a more effective public speaker?  Or to simply learn to manage a fear of public speaking?  Then you’re going to need to practice by speaking in public.  Public speaking is a skill, and skills require practice. Watching videos and reading books can offer you knowledge, however knowledge isn’t enough – you need to exercise the skill.

I recommend visiting a Toastmasters club and joining a club. All clubs have their own culture so find one you like. At Toastmasters you’ll be invited to deliver five-to-seven minute speeches, offer two-minute talks, and provide verbal feedback to other speakers,

So if you want grow your comfort zone as it relates to public speaking, join a Toastmasters club and start speaking. Speak about your projects, your ambitions and your passions.