Posts by Clare Hefferren

leadership presence tip: Words . tone of voice . body language. Studies theorize which of the 3 communication elements is most important to focus on. I suggest skipping the analyzing and realize it’s most important to be congruent when we communicate. Our words, and tone of voice should be consistent with our body language in…

client relations tip: Service-based business employees may treat a client like a transaction or relationship. Consider, are your clients interested in a transaction expert or relationship advisor? Factors defining the transaction interaction: short-term benefit, “them”, detached, defensive, and protective; relationship interaction: long-term benefit, ‘us’, helpful, engaged, open, and inquisitive. Interestingly, company majorities market themselves as interaction experts when yearning…

leadership presence tip: Consider fine-tuned brands – Nike, Apple and Southwest Airlines. Stellar products, advertising/marketing campaigns, and the staff sing the service mindset. Believing each unique individual has something to teach you and you to teach them, you walk away feeling they’ve gone the “extra mile”. Check your attitude and mood. If you’re not looking,…

leadership presence tip: Mature, baby boomer, x, and y. It’s the first time in history with 4 generations in the workplace. Example being, my father, 80, has yet to retire nor does expect to. Work keeps him young! Subtract 20 years from each generation and theoretically his great-grandson is 20 and working. This creates new dynamics.…

business etiquette tip: The fact is having a great handshake is a life skill we should all cultivate. In business etiquette, often overlooked, a handshake is your first point of physical contact. Western etiquette rules exist to assist behavior between people, so that rather than guess how one should act, one may know the proper behavior.…

leadership presence tip: What’s the best way to rate a restaurant?  Visit the powder room. Is it clean? Well-stocked? Decorated nicely? Smell fresh? Arranged logically? Do you leave feeling fresh or filthy? Callosum calls this spatial branding. Anywhere a client/consumer steps must be branded. Corporately consider: reception area, conference room entrance, conference room interiors, and rest…

leadership presence tip: Post-Thanksgiving. It’s crunch time – literally + figuratively. After 3 pie slices, sit-ups are in order. As we tighten our financial belts, many turn to consider job stability. Is there anything you can do to increase stability? Consider the way your present yourself. Is it representing you and your company appropriately? Does it distract from…

leadership presence tip: 3 seconds. Go! Stop! We’ve made up our mind and we’re sticking to it. Do you leave a great first impression? Suggestions: Be on time. Turn off your cell phone. Present yourself in appropriate attire for setting and audience. Prepare a little small talk to break the ice. Make eye contact and listen. Keep posture in mind.…

leadership presence tip: Do you have a desire to lead? Being an effective leader takes motivation and ongoing hard work to keep skill set sharp. These skills are easily taught but more importantly, is it your desire? Curious if you have leader DNA in you? Take this assessment and share your thoughts. Click here.