I’d obviously screwed up, from the look on my boss’s face.
Just out of business school, I was in a new job. My boss had been observing me conduct a leadership workshop. And she’d video-taped me.
After everyone left, time for feedback.
“Are you aware,” she asked, “how often you stand with your hands on your hips?”
I was completely unaware. I remember asking, “Are you sure I do that?”
Well, the next thing we did was watch the video. And, of course, my boss was absolutely right.
I learned an important lesson that day: never argue with your boss—especially if she’s just video-taped you.
How good are you at learning?
Sure, learning can be fun. But also painful, as you move through a predictable, 4 step sequence (the sequence is well-known, but its originator appears anonymous).
1) Unconscious incompetence. Learning doesn’t always start here, but sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know.
You could be in front of an audience right now, hands on hips, thinking everything is just peachy.
Is there a video-camera in the room? You need feedback.
2) Conscious incompetence. Learning can also begin here. Yes, you’re incompetent, but at least you know it.
If you’re giving a presentation, your hands are still a problem; now you’re aware of that.
Let’s just hope you’re not going up to random members of your audience and slapping them silly.
You need role models.
3) Conscious competence. You’re improving. Your hands look good, and they’re well-behaved, but that requires your total concentration.
Everything else could go right out the window.
Your presentation might not be entirely coherent, maybe it makes no sense whatsoever. But, hey, at least your hands look good.
You need practice.
4) Unconscious competence. You no longer have to worry about your hands or even think about them. Finally, you can put your attention elsewhere.
Your feet?
Tip: What are your learning goals? Set a few.
© Copyright 2021 Paul Hellman. All rights reserved.
P.S. Boost your communication power. 3 ways I can help you & your team:
1) Webinars—e.g. Your Point: Say It Concisely. Click here for all 12 programs.
2) Virtual workshop—I’ve been leading Dynamic Speaking, a four-session course for small teams. We practice how to get heard, get remembered, and get results.
3) 1-1 Coaching—Got an important, upcoming communication? I’ll help you with design (what to say) and/or delivery (how to say it with presence). Click here for details.
P.P.S. Rather just read a book? Check out You’ve Got 8 Seconds.
—Selected by a Fortune 50 company for their book club, translated into five languages, named one of the best biz books of the year by an obscure, but obviously brilliant, Canadian newspaper.
—Available from Amazon in print, kindle and audio.
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PAUL HELLMAN consults & speaks internationally on how to make your point—fast, focused, powerful.
Please email info@expresspotential.com or call 508-879-0934, or visit Express Potential for more info.
Paul consults & speaks internationally on how to make your point with maximum impact—in less time.