Tag Archives: kahnweiler

Should introverted MBAs take online or live classes?

I was recently asked a question about whether introverts should take MBA programs in an online format or live. ” What prepares them best for executive roles? “, the reporter asked.

I think both methods of instruction have advantages for introverts. Online MBA programs can work well for introverts. These courses play to the introvert”s strengths of thoughtful reflection, writing and preparation. In well designed online classes introverts can engage in focused dialogues with the professor and other students. An emphasis on depth vs. breadth is also a strong suit and online classes allow them to think about the material before responding. When I teach introverted business people on this platform, they openly express their thoughts and questions and respond very favorably to the process.
Successful introverted leaders also emphasize the tremendous importance of pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and continually practicing communication and interpersonal skills. Live classes can stimulate intriguing discussions and help introverts develop comfort in speaking up. Why is this important? When they step into executive roles in the workplace, having a voice in meetings creates their leadership presence. Also, feedback received on their class presentations is invaluable since public speaking has become a non-negotiable competency for business.

 

 

 

How Do Introverts View “Twitter Friendly” Speeches?

One of my current research findings about introverts is that they use social media with a purpose, taking the time to think about what and how they post information. Alan Stevens, in The Media Coach (text below) makes the case for tweeting before, during and after a speech. Hootsuite and some of the posting tools can be used to implement these ideas and capitalize on the introvert’s propensity for preparation.  I am curious about how introverts view these suggestions, however. I wonder if it is too much unnecessary noise for you introverts who give presentations? Or…. do these ideas work for you?

 This information was written by Alan Stevens, and originally appeared in “The MediaCoach”, his free weekly ezine, available at www.mediacoach.co.uk.

 

MAKE YOUR SPEECH TWITTER-FRIENDLY

It’s taken a while for speakers to get used to that fact that audience members are going to be using their smartphones to tweet their on-stage messages to the outside world. There is still a dwindling minority of presenters who believe that their content is for the exclusive consumption of the people in the room. In fact, that was never the case. Speeches with great messages are talked about by audiences when they leave the room. That’s a hallmark of a great speech.

I expect that you already use Twitter as a medium for feedback and questions during an event. You may also be using tools that will summarise and auto-tweet your slides as you show them (ask me for recommendations of if you don’t use such services already). Here are a few more ideas:

1) Encourage interaction with people outside the room. Send a tweet yourself just before you speak, asking for views on the topic you’re speaking on. Mention the hashtag of the event, and at suitable points in your speech, check the responses. If you’re feeling brave, put them on the big screen. I advise checking them on your smartphone first, though.

2) Include some sound bites, reinforced by graphics, that summarise the key messages of your speech. Spread them out through your delivery, maybe five minutes apart. I guarantee that any active tweeters in the audience will use them. Keep them to 80 characters or less so that your name and the venue can be included in the tweet.

3) Mention, both out loud and in a tweet, that you will be online for an hour or two after your speech to continue the debate on Twitter. The opportunity to debate issues with the speaker themselves will create a lot of buzz.

Are You a Guilt Ridden Time Manager? Don’t Be!

I would guess that millions of dollars have been spent this past year on time management books and training programs. We all seem to want to know the answer to managing the chaos around us.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that I didn’t need to feel guilty about not doing time management correctly. There is no one way to do it. After I shed the guilt I decided to experiment with different approaches to organizing my day.

Colored sticky notes, highlighters and whiteboards? Mindmaps, arrows and circles? They may look weird to others, but to my right brain they work just fine.

And technology helps. I found that using the full functionality of MS Outlook was a lifesaver. Now, as a Mac person, I am still amazed that my calendars synch through some sort of virtual cloud.

I think everyone has to create a fluid system that works for him or her. I also am encouraged that current time management gurus stress strategy over technique. Setting goals and honing in on priorities are what counts. Are you taking the time to sit down and plan your day? Are you working on the right things? Are you able to refocus when necessary?

We all have the same 24 hours. Style doesn’t matter as much as substance. Be open to new tools, create a system that works for you and lose the guilt. It just takes up valuable time.


How To Manage An Introvert

Introverts may be less noisy in the workplace, but by all accounts they outnumber extroverts. If you lead or manage others in your organization, odds are, there are at least a few introverts on your team. To get the best from these “innies,” it’s important to learn how to speak their language, whether you are an extrovert or an introvert yourself.

Read the rest of my Friday WSJ guest column here: How To Manage An Introvert and let me know if you have other management tips for getting the best out of the innies on your team.

Introvert Clapton and his guitar

eric-clapton-in-1995-AJAJAA I happened to see that Eric Clapton, one of my husband’s real life guitar heroes was in town this week. We grabbed some last minute tix near the stage at the Gwinnett arena and had the most incredible night. Along with thousands of other blue-jeaned baby boomers, we were transported by his brilliant riffs.

Clapton took us through a journey of his music through the decades. He was very different from the opening act, Roger Daltry (clearly the extrovert ). He never introduced the songs (we all knew them anyway) and only spoke softly to name the band members after their solos.

He didn’t put on foolish grins or try to win us over. He simply was himself, a gifted musician, clearly in his own world.  He let his talent speak, or rather play, for itself.

Clapton grew up an introvert. He spent many hours alone with his guitar dealing with a rough childhood,  honing his gift.  Later, he battled alcohol and drugs. None of that mattered last night. The man and his guitar shined with a quiet grace. I am so grateful I was there to witness it.

Reactions to the introvert as great blue heron

At a recent book signing, Sheri, an introverted training manager, told me she holds onto an image from nature to comfort her when she feels overpowered by extroverted team members.

As a proud introvert, Sheri relates to the great blue heron. This bird will stalk prey slowly and deliberately. They are solitary or small-group foragers. While the geese are loudly squawking, or doing what geese do, she thinks about the blue heron and it gives her a sense of peace.

I mentioned this in my recent newsletter and received some interesting reactions. Here is sampling:

From Bob Cady: ” Read your newsletter and enjoyed your jottings. Keep it up. The Blue Heron story reminds me that each of us believes in the stories that feature US. Isn’t it the truth. The eagle is shaking its head about that slow old bird. No wonder he’s so thin. Doesn’t eat much…the ‘tortoise and the hare’ is supposed to be a fable about sticking to it and relentless pursuit of goals. The Intros love the tortoise. We are supposed to reject the hare because it is reckless and thoughtless. However, each has its good and bad points, as we all do. That Blue Heron…..is just doing its thing. The extroverted, fast acting eagle also has a nature….The Heron is not, after all  the symbol of our country. In most of the stories you read, the character that is the quiet, introverted, slow, low voiced speaker when the President needs someone to solve the world crisis, is the one chosen to lead the exercise….”

From Kathy Greider: “Thanks for the great blue story — made me think about when I worked in an office. I always surrounded myself with as much nature as possible (plants, sea shells, round beach stones and lots of photos)  when I was upset I would find myself rubbing the shells and stones to calm down.  It always worked — and still does….Thanks for sharing this — maybe it will help others.”