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For technical professionals in all fields, a practical guide to enhancing communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills Flatter, more collaborative organizational structures, combined with the pressure to translate innovative ideas into action quickly, are increasing the need by technical professionals-such as computer programmers, design specialists, engineers, and R&D scientists-to expand their repertoire of communication and managerial skills. In this hi… More >>

Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals

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Understand all the aspects of becoming an executive coach, from acquiring training to marketing your practice, with Executive Coaching: Building and Managing Your Professional Practice. Hands-on information on topics like acquiring the right training and making the transition from other fields is written in an accessible manner by a successful and experienced coach. Whether you’re a novice or an established coach looking to expand your practice, you will benefit f… More >>

Executive Coaching: Building and Managing Your Professional Practice

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Have you ever noticed that when some people speak up at a meeting, or in another group conversation setting, everyone listens – while others make almost no impact? Think of someone in your organization who always commands attention, whose views are always respected. Now isn’t it true that that person possesses good presentation skills?

Now think of someone whose ideas tend to be ignored, who almost seems not to have spoken at all. I’m willing to bet that person’s presentation skills are at the opposite end of the competency level – am I right?

I once knew an engineer with a brilliant mind. He had been with his company for many years, and had played an important part in designing innovative new products. But he never progressed into the senior management ranks to which he aspired, and I’m convinced that was largely because he regularly put people to sleep making his presentations! The powers that be never really understood how brilliant he was, because their eyes glazed over before he was halfway through his story. What a shame – what a waste.

Now here’s the big question. Where do your presentation skills fall on the scale of excellent to poor? Do you speak up with confidence at meetings? When you’re asked for your opinion, can you give it without mumbling and stumbling your way through it? Do people pay attention when you speak?

In my presentation skills workshops, I always tell people this big secret: if you present well, people think you do everything well! If that’s true (and my experience tells me it is), then think what improving your presentation skills can do for your career!

If you’ve come up with an idea for process improvement, for example, try to arrange to be the person who presents it to the appropriate individuals. Make sure you prepare your message well, practice your presentation until you could do it if you were suddenly awakened at 3 a.m. Present your ideas competently and confidently. The interesting thing is that they won’t just notice you did a great presentation, they’ll see how valuable an employee you are to have come up with such a brilliant idea!

If you want to improve your job performance and your career prospects at the same time, work on your presentation skills.

Executive coaching has evolved quickly over the years. Some consider it a field in itself; others consider it a form of consulting. There are many interpretations for “executive coaching”. No matter how you define it, coaching can be a useful tool for executives who want to develop as leaders.

Rather than debate the definition of coaching, it’s more important to consider the type of coach and approach that’s most appropriate for you given the results you want to achieve. Some executives have difficulty articulating concrete desired results, but a skilled coach can help. Often executives simply haven’t taken the time to slow down and think things through.

Coaches come in the form of business professionals, psychologists, trainers, consultants, authors, etc. They come from all walks of life. Some are tough, challenging and direct. Some are sensitive, encouraging and indirect in their style. Some impose a particular process. Some are more flexible.

A consultant with expertise in communication may focus on executive coaching that emphasizes presentation skills. A fashion consultant may offer executive coaching with an emphasis on professional appearance. Other executive coaches focus on leadership skills or business strategy. The approaches are as varied as the professionals who deliver coaching services.

Selecting a Coach

Ultimately the most important factor in selecting a coach is the coach’s track record and his/her ability to establish the kind of relationship with you that helps you achieve results.

Senior leaders who have few peers seek out coaches to discuss business and professional goals. It’s a decision that should not be made lightly.

Coaching relationships can be structured a variety of ways. Consider whether you want to work with a coach in person, by phone or both. Know what’s most important to you in selecting a good coach.

Finding the right fit is everything. You’ll know you have the wrong fit if you feel you’re wasting your time, dread your coaching conversations, or focus on issues that aren’t directly relevant to your goals. Listen to your instincts and find the best fit.

Coaching Issues

With the complexity of issues that challenge executives, there is never a loss for discussion topics between a coach and client. Below are a few of the issues that many of today’s top-performing leaders discuss with their executive coaches:

• Staying focused on top priorities

• Increasing accountability for follow-through

• Building skills in particular areas (such as communication or decision making)

• Dealing with organizational politics

• Thinking strategically

• Handling stress & avoiding burnout

• Managing teams & dealing with sensitive personnel situations

• Influencing others

• Negotiating

• Brainstorming new ideas/creative thinking

• Personal career planning

• Life-work balance issues

• Establishing clear goals and action plans

Success Factors

In addition to finding the right coach, here are a few success factors to keep in mind for those who engage in a coaching process.

• Establish clear guidelines for the relationship and coaching process on the front end. Don’t make assumptions.

• Share feedback. If something is not working, discuss it.

• Acknowledge progress and successes along the way. This helps build momentum.

• Involve other stakeholders if necessary. In some cases, others in the organization can participate in the process to share input and feedback.

Executive coaching is not for everyone. It’s only for those executives who are highly motivated, who are committed to leadership development and who want to engage in the process. Expect a minimum commitment of six months to a year.

Company Sponsored Coaching Programs

Many more companies now recognize the importance of promoting coaching within their organizations. Many have formal coaching programs that include internal and external coaches. Organizations that sponsor coaching programs need to be diligent about connecting the benefits of coaching with business results in their organizations. Without a results focus, organizations run the risk of promoting coaching for its own sake – a “campaign for coaches,” instead of solutions for executives. Coaching is simply a means.

Corporate initiatives that mandate or roll out a coaching program too broadly jeopardize the effectiveness of the program. Often those who need coaching most are least likely to be open to the process, but top performers are always looking for a leading edge. Finding the right coach can be the leading edge you need to succeed professionally.

Don’t Say Yes When You Want to Say No: How Assertiveness Training Can Change Your Life

Read more on Asheville Citizen-Times

Now, the attorney-turned-career coach, speaker and Fortune 500 trainer draws on his experiences in the IDF to instruct corporate executives and professionals in the finer points of leadership, stress management and personal growth.

Following his military service, Schiller attended University of California Hastings College of the Law. After graduation, he joined the Silicon Valley office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a prominent international law firm.

“Silicon Valley is one of the most high-pressure business environments in the world,” says Schiller. “My work in mergers and acquisitions gave me a unique opportunity to observe a frazzled corporate culture ripe for the abilities every IDF soldier masters from the inside out.

Combat Confidence, Schiller stresses, is not about killing, fighting or anger. “It’s about clarity, focus, empowerment and passion,” he says. “It’s about eliminating the stress, ambiguity and self-limiting talk that stands in the way of living a more balanced and productive life and career.”

In conjunction with speaking, corporate training and seminars, Schiller is an executive coaching consultant to clients all over the U.S. and abroad with whom he conducts one-on-one sessions either in person or by telephone. He also has live teleclasses, where participants dial into a conference line, including his free 60-minute Combat Confidence class. Other classes meet weekly for up to eight sessions.

“Whether by phone or in person,” says Schiller, “my focus as an executive coaching consultant is to help clients create meaningful change in a person’s their lives and provide a tangible plan of action for achieving positive results. If you dread the thought of going back to work on Monday, then you will definitely benefit from Combat Confidence,” says Schiller.

“You’ll also benefit if you’ve been in the same job for more than two years and you are still not experiencing the success and recognition you deserve.”

• The Confident Speaker
• eat Your Nerves and Communicate at Your Best in Any Situation
• English
• First Edition
• Paperback

Product Description
Speak up and succeed. “Fear of snakes makes sense. After all, snakes bite! On the other hand, fear of public speaking is worth overcoming. This book is an excellent place to start.”-Seth Godin, bestselling author of Purple Cow and Free Prize Inside “Your ability to speak confidently on your feet will impress more people and open more doors than you can imagine. The Confident Speaker shows you how.”-Brian Tracy, bestselling author of The … More >>

The Confident Speaker: Beat Your Nerves and Communicate at Your Best in Any Situation