Your questions answered, Inside Track, April 2010

This article is filed under: executive coaching, leadership, strategic communication

Several members of my team are technically excellent and deliver well, but lack gravitas particularly in larger meetings. I’m concerned that this affects how others perceive them. How can I help them have more impact?

Firstly, it is important that you do not fall in to the trap of simply assuming ‘shyness’ or a lack of confidence here.

There are a number of things that you could do to help them become more aware of the impact they are having and what they can do to have more:

• Have a conversation with them about what you see: Do they make their points clearly? How do they enter the room? Are they too accepting of other’s ideas?

• Give them a chance to talk about what is going on for them: there could be any number of causes for their behaviour

• Notice how your behaviour and the behaviour of others helps or hinders them, e.g. Can you be clearer about the role you expect them to play? Can you ask them explicit questions to encourage their contribution, or listen more?

• Let them know regularly how they are doing – giving authentic praise here will make a big difference.

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