SWE-NY News

September 2010

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The Seven "Ups"™ of Successful Leaders

by Alicia Licata

SWE Members and Non-Members alike gathered at the office of Weidlinger Associates on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 to learn about "The Seven Ups of Successful Leaders." The seminar was presented by Raleigh Mayer, "Gravitas Guru" and principal of Raleigh Mayer Consulting.

The seminar commenced with a discussion on leadership. What is leadership? Raleigh asked the audience. After listening to the responses from participants (which included the ability to motivate others, rising to the occasion/role, and delegation), Raleigh defined leadership as deliberate and strategic influence. Moreover, she pointed out that leadership is really about making choices, as you are constantly being judged by your actions.

Next, Raleigh dove right into the Seven Ups of Successful Leaders:

#1 Dress Up
They always say not to judge a book by its cover, but it turns out that the majority (55%) of a person's judgment of you is based on appearance. Your tone is next in line of importance (35%), while actual content ranks the lowest (10%). Basically, if you can't get the audience past your appearance and your tone, you won't even have a chance to get them to focus on what you have to say!

#2 Show Up
Be virtuous, not virtual! Learn to exist not only over email, but in person as well. It is important to be able to connect with coworkers, clients, etc. outside of the traditional business setting. Go to a seminar after work with colleagues, enjoy lunch outside of the office with a client, etc.

Lastly, but probably one of the most important points here, is to stay in touch and follow up. You could collect hundreds of business cards at a networking function, but they are going to be of no use to you months down the line if you don't stay in touch. Not only will you not be able to remember where you met the person, but it will also be that much harder to reconnect in the event you do contact them again.

#3 Stand Up
Often times you make an impression on people without even realizing it. The six elements of impression include:

• Appearance
• Body language
• How one carries themselves
• Expression (don't forget how to be human)
• Tone
• Vocabulary

The language of leadership (LOL) includes being powerful, precise and positive. Learn to like compliments and remember that if you don't, you may come across as rejecting the other person. Also, it is imperative to learn the difference between appropriate self-promotion versus being a jerk.

It was at this point that Raleigh introduced an exercise for the attendees, and we went around the room giving a compliment to the person seated to the right. Not only did this help people work on giving compliments, but it also assisted people in learning how to receive them graciously.

#4 Speak Up
Silence is not golden. Raleigh pointed out that more often than not, people have a tendency to withhold relevant work information. What is even more crucial to this point is that you remember to frame your ideas in a positive manner. Otherwise (going back to points #1 and #3 above), it does not matter what you say.

#5 Listen Up (Corollary: Shut Up)
It is imperative to be an effective listener, and don't forget that there are times when the less you talk, the more you say.

#6 Lighten Up
Have a laugh every now and then. Find friendship in others instead of fault. Consider that you might be wrong (even if it is only just this once!).

#7 Follow Up
When meeting someone for the first time think about where you met. How can you help them help you? What do you have to offer? Listen and offer yourself as a resource. Learn to be more memorable and sociable.

Raleigh discussed the importance of the Elevator Tag Line as opposed to the Elevator Pitch. Moreover, translate your tag line into something that people can understand.

Raleigh concluded the seminar by asking the attendees to think about what we all needed to edit/modify about our own personality, appearance, actions and communications. After all, it's all about you managing yourself!

To learn more about Raleigh Mayer, please visit her website at www.raleighmayer.com.