Leadership Skills Workshops

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲? Of all the topics people ask me about, executive presence is near the top of the list. The challenge with executive presence is that it’s hard to define. It’s not a checklist you can tick off. It’s more like taste or intuition. Some people develop it early. Others build it over time. More often, it’s a lack of context, coaching, or exposure to what “good” looks like. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years, both from getting it wrong and from watching others get it right. 1. 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 People early in their careers often feel the need to prove they know the details. But executive presence isn’t about detail. It’s about clarity. If your message would sound the same to a peer, your manager, and your CEO, you’re not tailoring it enough. Meet your audience where they are. 2. 𝐔𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Executives care about outcomes, strategy, and alignment. One of my teammates once struggled with this. Brilliant at the work, but too deep in the weeds to communicate its impact. With coaching, she learned to reframe her updates, and her influence grew exponentially. 3. 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 Every meeting has an undercurrent: past dynamics, relationships, history. Navigating this well often requires a trusted guide who can explain what’s going on behind the scenes. 4. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 Just because something is your entire world doesn’t mean others know about it. I’ve had conversations where I assumed someone knew what I was talking about, but they didn't. Context is a gift. Give it freely. 5. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Early in my career, I brought problems to my manager. Now, I appreciate the people who bring potential paths forward. It’s not about having the perfect solution. It’s about showing you’re engaged in solving the problem. 6. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 Every leader is solving a different set of problems. Step into their shoes. Show how your work connects to what’s top of mind for them. This is how you build alignment and earn trust. 7. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Years ago, a founder cold emailed me. We didn’t know each other, but we were both Duke alums. That one point of connection turned a cold outreach into a real conversation. 8. 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 Before you walk into a meeting, ask yourself what outcome you’re trying to drive. Wandering conversations erode credibility. Precision matters. So does preparation. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 Executive presence isn’t about dominating a room or having all the answers. It’s about clarity, connection, and conviction. And like any muscle, it gets stronger with intentional practice.

My client Sam worked hard, delivered quality work, and got along with everyone. But, in big meetings he rarely spoke. When put on the spot, he rambled. Sam got good ratings but was never promoted past senior manager. Why? Sam lacked Executive Presence. He could not command a room, hold attention, and present himself as a smart and decisive leader. Aspiring executives are often told that they lack executive presence, but they aren't given a specific definition of what this means. Executive presence is tough to define because it isn’t one skill- it’s actually composed of many skills. People often think of it as public speaking, but in reality there is much more to it. Author Sylvia Ann Hewlett breaks down executive presence into three categories, defining it as a mix of: → 60% gravitas → 30% communication → 10% appearance ”Gravitas” is composed of the things that make you a serious leader, worthy of attention and respect. The two dominant traits in this regard are confidence and decisiveness. People follow leaders who seem composed and sure of themselves, including under the pressure of a crisis or a tough question from another leader. Communication skills are often the first thing people think of, but they are surprisingly less important than gravitas. Communication skills include speaking, but also your ability to hold attention, manage a room, read an audience, and present your authentic self. Appearance is the least important, but it does matter in two critical ways. First, appearance is not about being attractive. It is about showing that you pay attention to your dress and grooming. This helps you show that you are a person who takes their work seriously and expects to be taken seriously in return. Second, appearance matters most as a first impression. It shows professionalism and opens the door for you to showcase your gravitas and communication skills. To improve your executive presence, you must first identify which of these areas need work and then make a plan to improve them. Here are some strategies to consider: 1) For public speaking, find small, safe audiences to practice in front of. Consider joining a Toastmasters club. 2)To learn to read a room, partner with a friend after a meeting and discuss what each of you saw. 3)To display calm and practice emotional control, try meditation and build your emotional intelligence skills to help you handle crises. 4)To increase your influence, read “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and then prepare your arguments in advance (rather than on the fly). 5)Finally, for appearance, consider a professional stylist like a Nordstrom personal shopper. Readers- What else comes to mind when you hear “executive presence?” Do you have tips on how to improve it? I teach executive presence in my signature class, Breaking Through To Executive, which the Maven platform is now offering at 25% off for a limited time: https://buff.ly/45x84xA

How to Build Resilience: The Ultimate Guide Resilience isn't born. It's built. I spent years studying why some people bounce back from challenges while others break. The answer isn't willpower—it's a system. Here's the framework that changed everything for me: Your resilience isn't one skill—it's six interconnected domains that work as a system. Vision powers everything: • Purpose • Smart Goals • Alignment Composure is your emotional foundation: • Emotional Intelligence • Control and Authority • Mindfulness Reasoning is your strategic edge: • Plan and Anticipate • Resourcefulness • Problem-solving Health is the domain most leaders neglect: • Exercise and Nutrition • Quality of sleep • Relaxation Tenacity separates the great from the merely good: • Realistic Optimism • Self-belief • Persistence Collaboration might seem optional, but isolation kills resilience: • Support networks • Good relationships • Trust and Teamwork The 6 methods that transformed my resilience: Goggins 40% Rule: When your mind tells you to stop, you've only reached 40% of your limit. Keep going. Cognitive Reframing: When faced with stress, consciously choose to see it as a challenge to overcome rather than a threat to avoid. Premeditation Malorum: Visualize and explore the worst-case scenario to reduce anxiety and stress around potential outcomes. McGonigal's Challenge Response: Transform stress into a powerful ally by consciously choosing to see it as a challenge. Stockdale Paradox: Acknowledge the severity of your situation without sugarcoating it, but maintain faith in your eventual success. The 5×5 Rule: If it won't matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes being upset by it. ------------------------------------------------- Follow me Dan Murray-Serter 🧠 for more on habits and leadership. ♻️ Repost this if you think it can help someone in your network! 🖐️ P.S Join my newsletter The Science Of Success where I break down stories and studies of success to teach you how to turn it from probability to predictability here: https://lnkd.in/ecuRJtrr

After transforming 100+ leadership teams Here's the framework that works… Over the years, I’ve helped 100+ leadership teams transform. I’ve seen the same patterns. The same struggles. But I’ve also found a proven way forward. Here’s the framework that consistently delivers results: 1. Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness. ↳ You can’t lead others until you lead yourself. ↳ Understand your strengths and weaknesses. ↳ This is the foundation for lasting change. 2. Empower, Don’t Control. ↳ Micromanagement kills creativity and growth. ↳ The best leaders trust their teams to act. ↳ It’s about letting go and giving space. 3. Clear and Direct Communication. ↳ Honesty, even when uncomfortable, builds trust. ↳ Be specific, vague feedback causes confusion. ↳ Tough conversations are necessary, not optional. 4. Speed over Perfection. ↳ Waiting for the “perfect” plan holds you back. ↳ Decisions need to be made fast and confidently. ↳ Move quickly, adapt, and learn from mistakes. 5. Constant Learning and Adaptation. ↳ The best leaders never stop growing. ↳ If you think you know it all, you're wrong. ↳ Being adaptable and open to change is key. When you apply this framework, you’ll see: ✅ Teams become more empowered, engaged, and productive. ✅ Decision-making speeds up, creating agility. ✅ Employees feel valued, heard, and supported. ✅ Leadership becomes more effective, adaptive, and trusted. Transforming leadership isn’t about following trends. It’s about being real, making bold moves, and staying consistent. I’ve seen this work across industries and countries. Now, I want to ask you What’s one leadership habit you need to change today?

>> The biggest myth about leadership is that effective leaders rely on just one leadership style. There isn't a single style that fits all situations. The most successful leaders are adaptable. Every business and scenario requires a different approach. Here are 9 distinct leadership styles, along with their optimal use: 1. Commanding Leadership:   - How to Use: Make quick, decisive decisions and communicate them authoritatively. Expect immediate compliance.   - When Effective: Ideal for crises and new initiatives, but not suited for experienced, independent teams or when the leader lacks subject matter expertise. 2. Democratic Leadership:   - How to Use: Actively seek and integrate team input through meetings and discussions.   - When Effective: Effective for achieving consensus, but not ideal for urgent decisions or inexperienced teams. 3. Delegative Leadership:   - How to Use: Give team members autonomy and provide support only as needed.   - When Effective: Best for highly skilled, motivated teams, but not for those that require more structure. 4. Charismatic Leadership:   - How to Use: Share a compelling vision and motivate the team to embrace innovation.   - When Effective: Effective for driving change, but less suitable for stable organizations. 5. Servant Leadership:   - How to Use: Focus on team development and well-being by prioritizing their needs.   - When Effective: Great for building relationships, but not ideal for high-pressure situations or quick decision-making. 6. Pacesetting Leadership:   - How to Use: Set high-performance standards and lead by example.   - When Effective: Useful for achieving ambitious goals, but not for inexperienced or unmotivated teams. 7. Coaching Leadership:   - How to Use: Provide active mentoring and feedback to help team members enhance their skills.   - When Effective: Effective for skill development when time permits, but not for urgent decisions or unstructured teams. 8. Bureaucratic Leadership:   - How to Use: Rigorously enforce rules and procedures to maintain consistency.   - When Effective: Suitable for regulated industries, but not for flexible, innovative environments. 9. Strategic Leadership:   - How to Use: Formulate and clearly communicate long-term strategic goals.   - When Effective: Best for long-term planning, but not for immediate, tactical decisions. Always start by asking: What does the business need right now? Enhance your effectiveness—adapt your leadership style to fit the current needs. ---- 👉 Love my content? ☑ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gjUQk7HF 👉 Found this helpful? Share it! ♻️ Don't miss out! For exclusive AI and tech insights trusted by 430,000+ professionals at Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and more—join my free newsletter for cutting-edge strategies to keep you ahead in AI. 🔗 Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eFNvmcYa

For the longest time, I questioned why our appearance should dictate our credibility as professionals. Shouldn’t our expertise, intellect, and hard work be enough? And then, Sylvia Ann Hewlett burst my bubble. Executive presence isn’t just about looking good, it’s about inspiring confidence. It’s about showing up in a way that signals long-term reliability, competence, and influence. It’s not about dressing in brands; it’s about dressing the room. Think of it like this, ever walked into a room where someone’s attire was completely out of sync with the environment? A tech startup CEO in an ultra-formal three-piece suit at a brainstorming session might feel out of place, just like a financial analyst in sneakers and a hoodie at an investor meeting. Neither is “wrong,” but both have missed an opportunity to align their presence with their audience’s expectations. Our visual presence is the first handshake before we even speak. In a marketing agency buzzing with creativity, casuals might scream “I get this space.” But step into a high-stakes boardroom with industry leaders, and business formals say, “I understand the gravity of this conversation.” The trick? Authenticity with Adaptability. You don’t need to dilute your personality, but you do need to be mindful of the visual signals you send. As a leadership consultant, I encourage professionals to ask themselves before any critical meeting: • Who is my audience? • What message do I want to send? • How do they expect me to show up? Executive presence isn’t about a rigid dress code, it’s about strategic alignment. It’s about dressing in a way that ensures your presence commands attention, respect, and trust. Your expertise is your foundation, but your presence is your amplifier. Dress authentically while respecting the decorum of the room you step into. In doing so, you won’t just be seen, you’ll be remembered. So, the next time you stand before your closet, don’t just pick an outfit. Choose your presence. #ExecutivePresence #DressingTheRoom #NyraLeadershipConsulting

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨u𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. ⚡ Imagine this. Nine partners. Each with 20+ years of winning deals, advising boards, and shaping industries. All convinced they have mastered influence. But by the end of Day 1 of their group coaching, their certainty was cracked. -Their Executive Presence Influence scores revealed blind spots. -Simulations showed where default behaviours collapsed under pressure. -Peer reflections gave them the truth no client ever dares to say. Day 2 of the group coaching is when disruption turns into transformation. We call it - Rewriting the Inner Narrative. The Mindset Shift This isn’t about adding new skills. It is about challenging identity itself. In the group coaching session on Day 2, the consulting partners confronted a hard choice: 👉 Stay anchored in role-based leadership (“my title, my power, my role, my past”) 👉 Or step into presence-based leadership (“my influence, my gravitas, my impact, my present”) Then as their coach I installed the 3 Frames of Executive Presence- Focus, Warmth, Power. Leadership was no longer a single style. It became three currencies of influence they could flex to win trust, collaboration, and decisive outcomes. In the workshop, the conversations grew raw: “What if I bring more Warmth to client negotiations?” "I lean too heavily on Power -it’s costing me collaboration with board members.” You could feel the shift in the room. These partners stopped treating presence as performance. They started seeing it as identity. ✨ Because growth at the top doesn’t come from knowing more. It comes from daring to become more. Day 3 of the group coaching is when identity turns into behaviour. These accomplished partners stopped presence from just being in theory. They started living it. This is when influence leaves the slide deck, and takes its seat in the boardroom. ❓If you were one of those partners in the coaching room - which frame would you strengthen first: Focus, Warmth, or Power? #ExecutivePresence #MBB #Consulting

When I started managing teams in the Civil Service, I had no idea how my leadership style impacted those around me. It took a senior manager pulling me aside to point out that my approach was affecting team morale before I started paying attention. Over my 30+ years of leading teams, I've learned that understanding your natural leadership style is critical—not so you can put yourself in a box but so you can flex and adapt when needed. In my latest article, I break down different leadership styles and share practical tips on: - How to identify your natural style - When to adapt your approach - Real examples of leadership styles in action - Common traps that can trip up even experienced managers - A 4-week action plan to develop your leadership Leadership isn't about changing who you are - it's about growing into the best version of yourself as a leader. Read the full newsletter below ⬇️ #leadership #management #personaldevelopment #teammanagement

The Resilience Rewire Toolkit: 5 Reps to Train the Mind That Doesn't Break You've read the mindset shifts. Now comes the real test: Can you train for chaos before it arrives? Resilience isn't built in chaos. It's built in calm through daily reps. Yes. Here's how. 1. Replace memorization with creativity Weekly Zero-Google Challenge → Choose a real challenge. → Solve it with just your brain, pen, and paper. No tech, no search. → 15 minutes. No distractions. One founder I mentored used this to redesign an AI chatbot flow. The results beat the old "best practices" version. 2. Replace following instructions with critical thinking "Why This Way?" Habit → Ask this for every task: What's the real goal here? Is this the only way to get there? What happens if we challenge the method? You shift from executor to problem-solver. That's what leaders are built from. 3. Replace compliance with independence Power Hour: No Permission Needed → Once a week, do one thing you believe will add value without asking anyone. → Launch that internal tool. Start that draft. Redesign that ugly doc. → Own the risk. Most wait for approval. Builders take action and refine later. 4. Replace academic success with emotional resilience Bounce-Back Journal → When you fail, get rejected, or mess up. Write 4 lines: - What happened - What emotion showed up - What I learned - What I'll do differently This is how you rewire failure into fuel, not fear. 5. Replace perfect planning with adaptability Plan B Mondays → Once a week, break your own workflow. → Choose a faster, messier, or reverse method to complete one task. → Analyze what held, what cracked. Adaptability isn't built during chaos. It's rehearsed in safety. Rehearse now. So you're ready when the storm hits. These aren't hacks. They're mental reps for a world that rarely goes to plan. Pick one rep this week. Do it. Then ask yourself: Did I freeze, or did I flex?

Perfecting strategy meetings - the best tools and takeaways ⬇️ We scaled fast in the four years of Sastrify. To keep the rocketship aligned, you must have a tight grip on your strategy offsite meetings. Here are our five core takeaways and the blend of the best tools: 1. On-site fosters deep, creative discussions. In-person interactions bring fast-paced ideas and social connections to life. This is equally true for our remote-first organization. 2. Miro keeps everything structured and visible. The sole focus of our strategy workshop is one single board. Async preparation is done on this board and shared beforehand. In the meeting, you can dive directly into the discussion. 3. No dependency on meeting room tech. A laptop and Miro do it all. You don't have to prepare meeting rooms and focus on the discussion and its outcomes. 4. Workshops become self-documenting with digital whiteboards. Decisions are instantly captured for alignment. Action Items are transferred to Asana with a reference to the whiteboard. Nothing is lost, and the action items become actionable. 5. Engage in backward-planning. The most common sentence Sven and I use: How does winning look like? Start with a one-year horizon and go backward to the next quarter. This keeps your organization aligned and aiming at the right ambitious goals. This mix drives innovation while staying organized. How does your team combine on-site and digital tools, and how do you drive strategy meetings? 👇