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Speak Like a CEO

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Speak Like a CEO

Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results

McGraw-Hill,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Good leaders build emotional bridges with their audiences by telling stories that show they are as human as anybody else.

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

As a television news anchor for 20 years, author Suzanne Bates understands the importance of communication. She takes a practical approach to this well-worn field, using examples from her own experience and stories about famous people. Some of her suggestions have appeared elsewhere, so the subhead saying that she is revealing top executives "secrets" may be somewhat of a stretch, but she succeeds in boiling down the information to several series of rules. Then she provides many numbered lists to help you remember the guidelines. getAbstract recommends this book as a good place to start if you are nervous about public speaking or new at making speeches, chairing meetings or standing up in front of a crowd.

Summary

Leading is Communicating

Business leaders spend much of their time interacting with others within their companies and communicating with the public. In fact, talking is what leaders do most, since "the leader’s job is generally not to do; it is to communicate what is to be done." However, although communicating is an essential skill for any leader, very few leaders are really great at it.

In a 2004 study, 61% of 294 professionals said their bosses were poor communicators. Yet 90% agreed that the ability to convey information is an essential part of leadership. When the boss is a poor communicator, employees become distrustful and begin looking for other sources of information.

Leaders Are Made, Not Born

According to the study, credible leaders have the following traits:

  • Honesty - Their behavior at the office and in their personal lives demonstrates their fairness, sincerity and trustworthiness.
  • Vision - They can see and communicate the big picture. They know where they want their organizations to go and can convey those goals to others.
  • Approachability - They are willing to listen. They seek out new points of view and respond...

About the Author

Suzanne Bates was an award-winning TV anchor for 20 years. She is a member of the Leadership Council of Harvard University’s Center for Business and Government, and an Associated Press News Award winner.

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