As a CEO you are going to have to engage various people and often. While some CEOs are great at leading a company, not all of them are socially capable. Being a social butterfly and engaging members of the media, potential clients, business partners, merging companies and/or employees is hard- even for people who are comfortable in social situations. I’ve come up with three fail-safe ways to engage anyone and in any setting.
Don’t talk with your phone in your hand.
I can’t stand it when I am speaking to someone and they are either checking their phone or have to take a call. It is rude. When someone is speaking to you, or when you’re speaking with someone, don’t every take your phone out. Don’t check email, not browse Facebook, and don’t take a phone call! If you’re not invested in the conversation then the other party will not be either.
Give, Give and Give.
We live in a greedy world. I’m not saying YOU are greedy, but many people are. Don’t look at an audience or a person as having something you want. Instead, know that you have something to offer them. Even if you offer to meet someone for coffee- give. You will end up on the benefiting side of a long-term relationship down the road.
Announce Why You Like the Person.
When speaking about or to a person make mention of what you like about him or her. If you are speaking to a group then announce what he or she did recently to benefit you or the company. Take the spotlight off of yourself and place it on someone else. You will always have his or her attention from this moment on.
Engaging people as a CEO is an art form. Try to pick one of these tasks and practice it on a total stranger this week. I’m sure you will see positive results!
Britanie Olvera, CEO
