The strategy session at your next leadership conference may be the most nerve-wracking moment of the day for attendees. Did you know that meeting with one specific person for five minutes can change your life? Or that a 10-minute break can noticeably increase your energy level? How about the fact that you never know who is going to show up to address you during the Q&A period? Leadership Summit are no exception to this rule, and because of it, they can be one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of an event for anyone planning on attending. When leading a group, it’s natural to expect that everyone else will follow suit and adopt your strategies as their own. However, how do you gain the upper hand over your fellow summit goers if they are all trying to outdo each other with their ‘best’ answer? The key lies in understanding who actually has power at any given moment. It’s not necessarily in being right or decisive; rather, it’s recognizing when you have power over others and what kind of effect your actions have on them. What follows are some tips on how to ace your leadership summit – tips and advice from top executives across industries and roles.
Explain the why
At the end of the Q&A period, you’ll likely be faced with a decision that will greatly impact the rest of the event and your entire leadership career. You may be presented with a decision that will affect your life, your organization or both. If you are unsure how to proceed, it’s a good idea to explain the why behind your decisions. This can help put your actions into context, and allow you to address whether the decision was the right one or not.
Step Back Before you step Forward
Leaders tend to get excited and involved in the moment, which means they often don’t take the time to step back and take in their environment. When you are in the thick of a decision, it is easy to get fixated on your own thoughts and emotions and lose sight of what is happening around you. You are likely to make mistakes and make rash decisions, none of which will benefit anyone in the long run. Take the time to step back and take inventory of what is happening in the room, and take stock of your team’s capabilities and strengths. You will likely be amazed at how differently your vision and strategy look when viewed through the eyes of others.
Make your point by showing rather than telling
A big reason why one-on-one meetings can be so impactful is due to the power of visual communication. When you are the one presenting, you can convey so much information and ideas in a few seconds that others can understand. If you are in the middle of a decision, and someone is trying to give you information that you already know, you are likely to respond with a question. This is a prime example of how visual communication can help you understand what other people think and how they feel. This is especially important when you are leadership summit leading large groups, as each person has a tendency to monopolize your attention. You can’t give everyone a gift like this – you only get to give yourself.
Ask for feedback before you give it
While many leaders would love to hear what their fellow leaders have to say, the reality is that they rarely do. Why not? Because they are too busy listening. Another reason is that they are afraid they won’t be able to respond appropriately or that they might be thought of as ‘not listening’ if they don’t give feedback. However, you don’t need to face these challenges head-on. The best approach is to approach feedback with care and consideration. First, identify what type of feedback you are looking for (criticism, improvement, support) and then approach it with grace and gratitude. You don’t have to respond to every comment or question that comes your way – just the ones that are relevant to your goals. Finally, remember that feedback is not a ‘win’ for you; it’s a gift. Don’t exchange it for money, but rather give it freely and receive it with gratitude.
Don’t be afraid to shake things up
Leaders need to be ready to take risks both within themselves and with others. This can be a scary thing for some leaders, as they may not be comfortable with being in charge. However, while it’s important to try and avoid sounding like a cheerleader at all times, it’s also crucial to keep an open mind and foster an environment where others feel comfortable taking risks as well. You may not be ready to assume a new role just yet, or you may not have the necessary experience or skills to take on a new challenge. In these situations, it’s best to approach the situation with an open mind, and shake things up a bit so that you can get out of your comfort zone. In addition to being willing to take risks, it’s important to also be willing to give others the opportunity to take risks as well. This can be a dangerous combination, as it can open up opportunities to create new and exciting partnerships while simultaneously inspiring leadership summit others to take bolder actions.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is in charge of leadership summit a large event, or managing a company retreat, consider the power of one-on-one meetings. Even though they are nerve-wracking, they are great opportunities to get face to face time with your team, receive feedback on your strategic goals and receive honest and unbiased reviews of your leadership skills.
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