It sounded good when I read it, but...

A common theme that Kyle (and many others) have brought up as they go through the materials is, "this all sounds good and I agree with the concepts, but does this actually work in the real world?" For the most part I will say, "Yes, it does."

When I discuss things related to communication and leadership with my clients, they are often surprised that they have heard this information before. There are many books that discuss these topics, and for the most part, they say the same things. Yet we get hung up on the belief that these concepts may work in other situations, but not ours.

The basics of leadership and communication are relatively simple. It's about understanding and being understood. Though the concepts are simple, it doesn't mean they are easy. Best practices work best when they are practiced. Sometimes we get it in our heads that once is good enough or if it doesn't work the first time then it won't work... EVER. Neither statement is true. The art of leadership and communication requires constant practice. Saying something once means it's rarely remembered. However when you reinforce it multiple times the outcomes change. For example, many companies have a Vision statement. How many people know it? More importantly, how many understand how their job impacts its outcome?

Here's an exercise for the business leaders out there. Ask your people to tell you the company Vision statement. In most cases, less than one out of every ten can tell it to you. Why? Often because it was created absent of any involvement of the staff. In addition, after it was created it was assumed that people would learn it through osmosis. Just by walking into the corporate office, you will come to know it and live it. Nothing could be further from the truth. But if you have a Vision and if you find ways to incorporate that Vision into your daily discussions with your people, the ratio changes. Through the dialog you create an understanding of the idea and the impact each person's job has on it. Now eight out of every ten may know and understand it.

So the concepts are simple, but not easy. In order to be successful you must practice your communication every day and you must be willing to adjust and improvise as necessary. Leadership is as much art as it is science. That is why some are more successful at applying these traits than others. Everything from personality to ability to attitude impact the outcome. This is why these concepts usually work. When they don't it may be from the belief that they would not work in the first place. Make a difference, put in the effort on some simple concepts to get the maximum result.

Meet the Coach

ent="Word.Document">

Daniel Paulson

CBC

Daniel Paulson is President/CEO of InVision Business Development and is a strategist, executive coach, writer, and public speaker. His certifications include: Certified Business Coach and Attribute Index Assessments. As a coach and strategist, Dan works internationally with CEO’s, Boards of Directors, and business professionals to develop the skills necessary to become world-class organizations that deliver on performance, profitability, and customer loyalty. He has written for Business Watch, several trade publications, and actively blogs about current events in business.

Dan also has a loyal following with his “Biz Bits” online monthly newsletter which is recognized for its short, to-the-point messages about success in business. He has participated in other collaborative book projects and intends to release his first solo project “Apples to Apples” in late 2009.

Dan’s company works with executives to get the profit out of their plan. He founded InVision Business Development in 2005 to help leaders address their challenges with people, planning and process. He recognized early in his professional career that strategic plans often fail due to poor communication and improper alignment to the Vision of the company. Taking his expertise in strategy and leadership development, Dan has helped many companies grow and prosper. He speaks nationally to groups on the subjects of strategy, leadership, sales and customer loyalty.

Active in community projects, Dan works with local chambers of commerce to help small businesses establish themselves. He is actively involved in DMI (Downtown Madison, Inc.) and has been on the advisory boards for Techskills and Madison Media Institute. He currently serves on the board of directors for With Wings and a Halo (www.withwingsandahalo.org), a not for profit dedicated to supplying books and backpacks to emergency workers to give to children affected by traumatic events.

You can contact and follow Dan directly at:

InVision Business Development

P.O. Box 45920

Madison, WI 53744

Phone: 608-235-5320

Fax: 608-935-2010

Web: www.invisionbusinessdevelopment.com

Blog: www.invisionbusinessdevelopment.com/blog/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/invisionu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dan-Paulson/1027446144

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Invision_brand