Communication In Executive Coaching

90% of people I talk to say they don’t know how to appear confident when sitting in a meeting. 3 powerful body language tactics I use in every seated meeting to feel & appear confident: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 • Angle your torso directly toward the person you're speaking with (I love swivel chairs over low couches when given the choice) • On Zoom, position your camera so your entire body faces it (not just glancing over)  • If seated at a weird restaurant angle, physically move your chair to face the other person When your toes, torso, and head all point toward someone, they literally feel like you're on the same page. Physical alignment creates psychological alignment. ____ 𝟮. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆, 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 • Keep your hands visible on the table  • Never cross your arms (even when cold)  • Avoid any barriers between you and the other person Research is clear: People with crossed arms are rated as closed, distant, and close-minded. More importantly, researchers found that when people try to generate creative ideas with crossed arms, they produce fewer ideas! Closed body = closed mind. ____ 𝟯. 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 • Use physical proximity to signal interest • Lean in when you like an idea or person ("Wow, tell me more" + lean)  • Mirror your conversation partner's energy  • (fast talker = more gestures, slow talker = slower pace) Mirroring shows respect by matching communication styles. People naturally like those who communicate similarly to them. The lean is your nonverbal way of highlighting interest - it's like physically bolding your words. ____ These tricks do more than make you seem confident - they actually change how you think. When I use these in meetings, press, or podcast interviews, I see immediate differences in how creative and engaged I feel. Try them in your next meeting and watch what happens.

Basic Etiquette for Working in Cybersecurity Technical skills matter in cybersecurity, but how you communicate, collaborate, and conduct yourself professionally can make or break your career and reputation. Here are essential etiquette tips to keep in mind: 🔹 Email & Communication Matters. * Use proper spelling and grammar—this isn’t a WhatsApp group. “ur,” “thx,” and “pls advise” don’t belong in professional emails. * Subject lines should be clear (not just "Help!!" or "Urgent!!"). * Write clearly & concisely. Don’t send long, unreadable paragraphs—get to the point and proofread before hitting send. * Reply promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt. Don’t ghost emails. * Address people professionally with appropriate salutations—start with “Hi [Name]” instead of “Yo” or “Hey.” * Avoid unnecessary jargon—clear, simple language ensures non-technical stakeholders understand your points. 🔹 Respect People's Names, Titles & Pronouns * Write names correctly and capitalize the first letter. It is “Jonathan Ayodele,” not “jonathan ayodele” or “JONATHAN AYOLEDE.” * Use appropriate titles where needed. Some people prefer being addressed as Dr., Prof., or Engr. etc—when in doubt, ask. * If you're unsure, double-check—it’s a sign of respect. 🔹 Be Direct—Don't Ask to Ask 
Instead of: "Who knows AWS IAM here?"
Say: "I need help with setting up AWS IAM role permissions. How do you attach a policy?" 
Being specific saves time and gets you the help you need faster. 🔹 Know When & How to Report Issues * Security alerts? Follow escalation protocols. Don't just slack it away * Phishing email? Report it properly, don’t just forward it without context. * Found a vulnerability? Document it clearly—avoid vague messages like "This is not working". 🔹 Meetings & Slack Etiquette * If you're going to be late, communicate ahead and don’t ask for a recap immediately—check meeting notes or recordings first. * Don’t flood Slack/Teams with “Good morning” messages—go straight to the point. This also applies to LinkedIn. When you DM people, go straight to the point Others; * If you share knowledge from someone else, credit them. Don’t pass off someone’s research or insight as your own. * If a junior colleague makes a mistake, correct them privately—not in front of the whole team. * When receiving feedback, listen first, respond second. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field. How you communicate and interact professionally can impact your reputation as much as your technical skills. #CybersecurityCareers #WorkplaceEtiquette #CybersecurityCareerGrowth #Cybersecurity

Great Job DARLING!!! That’s what my colleague said after I had just wrapped up presenting a high-stakes client pitch. For a split second, the entire room froze. The work, the effort, the professionalism—reduced to a pet name. Not “Well done, Shivani.” Not “Excellent insights.” Just… “darling.” And here’s the thing—he meant no harm. But intent doesn’t erase impact. 👉 Why it’s not okay: • It weakens credibility. My ideas suddenly felt less respected. • It felt condescending, like my work didn’t earn its own identity. • It blurred professional boundaries I never agreed to. Endearing names like darling, doll, sweetheart may sound harmless in casual spaces. But in boardrooms? They chip away at respect. ⸻ ✅ What works instead: Use someone’s name. It’s the simplest, most powerful form of respect. ⸻ 💡 Lesson: Respect in workplaces doesn’t come from sweetness in words—it comes from strength in professionalism. Because in leadership and in life: Names carry respect. Nicknames carry risk. ⸻ 👉 Have you ever been addressed with a pet name at work? How did it make you feel? 👉 #WorkplaceEtiquette #ProfessionalCommunication #ExecutivePresence #RespectAtWork #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #CommunicationSkills #Professionalism

Neuroinclusive email etiquette ensures our digital communications are accessible to everyone, including neurodivergent colleagues 😊. Confusion can lead to waste effort.. e.g. doing the wrong work without the intent to do so.. By crafting clear, concise emails, we not only share information effectively but also create a more inclusive work environment. Start with a descriptive subject line and use simple, direct language. Break your content into short paragraphs or bullet points to help guide the reader’s eye 👀. A brief summary at the beginning can also provide clarity and reduce cognitive load. Also try these and more.... • Use clear, jargon‐free language. • Structure your message with bullet points or numbered lists. • Keep sentences short and to the point. • Allow for extra time when expecting responses, recognising diverse processing speeds 🤝. Adopting these practices makes our communication friendlier and more effective for everyone. Let’s lead by example and foster a workplace where digital correspondence is both respectful and accessible 😊.

Professional etiquette is not just for Monaco or royalty... - it's valid for everyone, across all businesses - How we conduct our professional relationships does matter. Whether you're in Monaco or sitting on your desk. When we deal with people outside of our organisation, it is even more important. Here my 5 principles for respectful collaborations: 1. '𝗡𝗼' 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱: Ghosting is for Halloween or dating apps, not business.  A simple 'Sorry, we're not interested anymore...' keeps door open and respect intact. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: We're not just free providers of ideas, data and insights. Skills and experience are valuable assets and deserve recognition  (and remuneration) You're buying strategic ideas that have impact on your brand/company. 𝟯. 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼: Confront the elephant in the room. It's necessary for efficient collaborations. Knowing the budget saves time and it's pivotal to build the right program. I don't judge you for your budget. I find solutions considering your budget. 𝟰. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲. Identifying who is can streamline the entire process. And it helps in building the proposal and facilitating the outcome. I don't judge you for your business card. 𝟱. 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱. My golden rule, for life. This timeless principle remains at the heart of professional and personal interaction alike. ------------- How we interact with others is not just a reflection of who we are. It's a direct reflection of the brand and company we represent and speak for. Any of them resonating with you? P.S. Ever found yourself not liking a brand anymore because someone in the company didn’t treat you with respect? P.P.S I may have the gift of ubiquity....😊    #ProfessionalEtiquette #MotorSport

Most of our interactions—especially the difficult ones—are negotiations in disguise. In their book Beyond Reason, Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro highlight how success in these conversations often comes down to addressing core concerns—deep, often unspoken emotional needs that shape how people engage. These concerns are: Appreciation, Affiliation, Autonomy, Status, and Role. Ignore them, and you’ll likely face resistance, disengagement, or frustration. Acknowledge and address them, and you create the conditions for stronger relationships, better problem-solving, and more win-win outcomes. I’ve learned this the hard way. Appreciation A senior leader I worked with was frustrated by pushback from his team. The problem? He was so focused on driving results that he rarely acknowledged their efforts. Once he started genuinely listening and recognizing their contributions, engagement skyrocketed. The team felt heard, and collaboration improved instantly. Affiliation A new CEO walked into a fractured leadership team—siloed, political, and mistrusting. Instead of pushing quick solutions, she focused on rebuilding connections, creating shared experiences, and reinforcing that they were one team. The shift in culture transformed their ability to work together. Autonomy A department head was drowning in tactical decisions because his team constantly sought approval. By clearly defining goals, setting guardrails, and empowering them to make decisions, he freed up his time and saw his team step up with more confidence and accountability. Status A high-potential leader felt overlooked and disengaged. His boss didn’t give him a raise or a new title but started including him in key strategic meetings. That simple shift in visibility changed everything—he became more invested, more proactive, and took on bigger challenges. Role A VP was struggling, not because of a lack of skill, but because she was in the wrong seat. When her boss recognized this and shifted her to a role better suited to her strengths, she thrived. Sometimes, people don’t need a promotion—they need the right role. Before a tough conversation or leadership decision, check in: - Am I recognizing their efforts? - Making them feel included? - Giving them autonomy? - Acknowledging their status? - Ensuring their role fits? Addressing core concerns isn’t about being nice—it’s about unlocking the best in people. When we do, we create better conversations, stronger teams, and real momentum. #Conversations #Negotiations #CoreConcerns #Interactions #HumanBehavior #Learning #Leadership #Disagreements

🏢 Elevating Workplace Conversations: The Power of Listening Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any professional setting. Yet, listening a key component of communication is often misunderstood. There are two primary ways to listen: 📢 ☑️ Listening to respond and solve problems ☑️ Listening to understand with empathy 🎧 Listening to respond & solve problems Listening to respond & solve focuses on grasping the issue at hand and providing a solution. This method requires active engagement, asking questions & collaboratively seeking resolutions. It’s not merely about giving an answer but understanding the full context, including underlying emotions and concerns. In professional conversations, this approach is crucial as it aids in identifying problems and implementing effective solutions. By attuning to both verbal and non-verbal cues, you can develop a thorough understanding, leading to solutions that satisfy all parties involved. This form of listening strengthens connections & fosters a positive work environment🗣 ❤️ Listening to understand with empathy Listening to understand with empathy is about more than just hearing words; it involves interpreting emotions, body language & tone of voice. This method includes reflecting on what the speaker says and asking clarifying questions. It’s about valuing the speaker’s feelings and perspectives, not just their words. Practicing empathetic listening creates a deeper connection with the speaker, making them feel valued and understood, which can lead to more effective problem-solving. It’s essential to remember that empathetic listening does not require agreeing with everything said but rather appreciating the speaker’s viewpoint. This approach enhances relationships and promotes a collaborative atmosphere at work. Here are Top 10 Strategies to Enhance Your Listening Skills for Deeper Understanding:- 👀 Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues: Notice the speaker’s body language & facial expressions. ⏳ Wait for the Speaker to Finish: Let the person complete their thoughts before you reply. ❓ Engage by Asking Pertinent Questions: Demonstrate your interest and understanding by inquiring further. 🔄 Listen Without Prejudgment: Keep an open mind and avoid forming opinions too quickly. 💡 Practice Empathy: Try to see the situation from the speaker’s viewpoint. 📝 Take Notes: Jot down key points to help you remember important details. 🤔 Reflect Before Responding: Take a moment to think about what has been said before you reply. 🔄 Summarize for Clarity: Periodically recap the discussion to ensure mutual understanding. 👍 Provide Affirmative Feedback: Offer positive reinforcement when it’s appropriate. 🔍 Read Between the Lines: Be mindful of what’s not being said and understand the underlying messages. #communication #leadership #professional #communicationskills #empathy #workplace #culture #activelistening #empathy

In executive search, I’ve seen leaders win (and lose) game-changing opportunities based on one thing: how they show up. You could have the right experience, the best metrics, and a glowing résumé…But if your presence doesn’t communicate leadership, trust, and influence? You’re not getting the role. That’s why I’m a big fan of Gartner’s Executive Presence Wheel of Influence—because it breaks presence into what it truly is: Image → What people believe about your reputation Impressions → How you make people feel through your tone, clarity, and energy Impact → The legacy of your interactions—what changes because of you Leaders with strong executive presence are 76% more likely to be promoted than those without it. (Source: Center for Talent Innovation) Yet, executive presence isn’t just about how you look-it’s about how you influence. The 3 Pillars of Executive Presence: If you want to lead, inspire, and command a room, you need to master these: 1. Image: What people think about you -Your reputation, credibility, and personal brand shape how others perceive your leadership. Executives with a strong brand are 45% more likely to be trusted by their teams. (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer) 2. Impressions: How people feel about you - Your body language, tone, and communication set the tone for how others react to you. * A study by Harvard Business Review found that 55% of executive presence comes from how you communicate. 3. Impact: What people do because of you - Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about inspiring action. Companies led by influential leaders see 37% higher employee engagement. (Source: Gallup) When I mentor senior leaders, I often ask: 🟠 Do you project clarity under pressure? 🟠 Are you leaving your team inspired or just informed? 🟠 Does your personal brand match how people experience you? How to Strengthen Your Executive Presence Today -Build a strong reputation – Be known for something specific in your industry -Refine your communication – Clarity, confidence, and storytelling matter - Create lasting impact – Lead with authenticity, inspire action, and be remembered Executive presence can be taught. It can be shaped. And it can be mastered. But it requires self-awareness, feedback, and most importantly—practice. Let’s normalize talking about this. Your title might get you in the room—but your presence decides if people will follow your lead. #ExecutiveSearch #LeadershipDevelopment #Mentorship #ExecutivePresence #CareerGrowth #LSInternational

This is a little advice for adik-adik out there in universities and colleges—especially when you're reaching out to and dealing with people in the working world. Many of us are more than happy to support your events, give talks, or share our experience. But how you approach someone matters. Small things, done right, show respect and maturity—and they help you build lasting professional relationships. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Get the name right: if you’re asking for someone’s time or support, please take a moment to spell their name correctly. 2. If there’s a deadline, say so: what’s urgent to you may not be urgent to the person you’re messaging. Be clear. Include a due date in your message so the other party can plan accordingly. 3. Follow the communication channel given: if you’ve been asked to speak to a PIC (person in charge) or coordinator, stick to that channel. You needed a form to be filled up and I have asked you to liaise with my PA, so liaise with my PA because that's what I hired her for. Sending me multiple messages on a Sunday asking me why the form hasn't been filled and when I could submit it is like calling the CEO of Petronas to ask what was the result of your internship interview. 4. Respect time: avoid texting outside working hours. Messaging someone that you don’t know personally, at 6pm on a Sunday, is inappropriate. You need to learn to assess the urgency of your requests. Whether you’re a student or CEO, boundaries matter. 5. Proofread your messages: Typos happen, but in the age of QuillBOT, ChatGPT, and autocorrect, take a moment to check. It shows you care about how you present yourself. These soft skills are just as important as the hard work that goes into planning an event. Because every email, every message, every interaction—is part of the impression you leave behind. Jangan sesekali guna ayat “I’m still a student”. How you show up now reflects who you are becoming. Professional etiquette matters and the time to start practicing it is yesterday. #ProfessionalEtiquette #SoftSkillsMatter #StakeholderManagement #LeadershipStartsYoung #RespectInAction #StudentLifeTips

A week ago, on December 23, I asked a question starting with a mini case study: "Imagine a tech startup facing a sudden economic downturn. Sales are plummeting, and investors are getting nervous. The CEO, Sarah, needs to make some tough decisions. She decided to honestly communicate the company's struggles to employees and investors while outlining a clear recovery plan that aligns with the company's values. This might involve difficult choices like layoffs, but it maintains transparency and trust." Which of the following leadership styles characterizes Sarah’s action the best? 1. Authentic leadership 2. Agile leadership 3. Mindful leadership The correct answer was (1), authentic leadership. Authentic Leadership: Communicate honestly the company's struggles to employees and investors while outlining a clear recovery plan that aligns with the company's values. This might involve difficult choices like layoffs, but it maintains transparency and trust. Why is this authentic? She holds a company-wide meeting, openly acknowledging the challenges and explaining the necessary steps to ensure the company's survival. She is transparent about potential job losses and invites employees to participate in finding solutions. In contrast, the other two styles characterize different behaviors. Agile Leadership: Quickly pivot to a new product line, even if it means abandoning the company's original vision. This is a fast, adaptable approach, but it might sacrifice the company's core identity. Mindful Leadership: Focus on maintaining a calm and positive work environment through meditation and stress-reduction techniques. This prioritizes employee well-being but might not address the core business challenges. Likely outcome: While some employees are understandably anxious, they appreciate Sarah's honesty and commitment to the company's values. Seeing her transparency and proactive approach, investors are more likely to maintain their support. The company weathers the storm, albeit with some losses, and emerges stronger due to the trust and loyalty fostered by Sarah's authentic leadership. Why this illustrates Authentic Leadership: This case study highlights the key elements of authentic leadership: Genuineness: Sarah is honest about the company's situation, even when it's difficult. Self-Awareness: She understands her own values and makes decisions aligned with them. Ethical Behavior: She prioritizes transparency and fairness, even when facing pressure. While agile and mindful leadership have their merits, this scenario demonstrates the power of authentic leadership in building trust and navigating challenges with integrity.