Michael Piperno

Set Them Up For Success

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When you craft your next email or text message, ask yourself, “Am I writing this to be read by me, or by the person who I am addressing it to?” 

Chances are you’re writing it in a style that works for you, and not necessarily them. 

If you’ve ever been to one of my workshops or training programs, you know that the first rule of any communication is to know your audience. This is true for every piece of communication you send throughout your work day — and your personal communications, too.

When we are intentional about the way we communicate with each other and respectful of our differences, there is a much higher chance that the results will be more positive.

For example, if you know that Alex never responds to all your questions in your emails, then don’t send him emails with 15 questions embedded throughout several paragraphs of text. Send an email with a brief introduction, and 1 or 2 questions (bulleted out) that he can scan and reply to quickly.

Voila, you’ve just set him up for success. He can move fast, like his job requires, and still give you what you need because you considered his needs as well.

Here’s another example. Let’s say that your colleague Janelle has been losing track of your emails and Teams chats because there is too much on her plate this week. Instead of firing off 8 different emails during the day on a variety of topics that don’t need immediate responses, collect your questions or issues and batch them into 1 email that she can respond to later. Or, if responses are not needed by the next day, schedule time to sit down with her and talk through your items. You’ll likely get all the answers you need with no additional emails in her, or your, inbox.

These are just a few examples. You get the idea. 

During your day today, pay special attention to 3 pieces of communication you create to send to someone else. With each, whether over text, email, Zoom, Teams, or in person, consider this question: 

How can I set this person up for success?

It will make your communications more productive, I promise. The bonus is that you’ll save time and reduce frustration on both sides. 

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Quick Listening Tip

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How many people do you know who claim to be good listeners but, in reality, aren’t?

True, and active, listening demands effort — and there are a lot of obstacles. Distractions, our attitudes towards the speaker or topic, and even our physical state (e.g., hunger or fatigue) can all interfere.

But the biggest problem is that we often start thinking about what we’re going to say before the speaker even finishes.

So, here’s a challenge for you: try to be a better listener for the next week.

Pay attention to how often you start thinking about your response before the speaker is done. If it’s a lot, remind yourself to stay present. Be quiet, let the speaker talk, and don’t think about how you want to respond right away. Wait until you’ve had a chance to fully understand what they’re saying.

Oh, and eliminate those distractions you personally have control over (such as your phone or smartwatch).

Did you know that we typically comprehend and retain only 25% of what we hear? Compounding this is the distracted digital world we inhabit, making us all poor listeners at times.

However, there are steps you can take to enhance your listening skills. The initial step is to remind yourself to truly listen so that you can stay present and allow yourself to genuinely comprehend what the speaker is communicating to you.

Never underestimate the power of making another person feel heard — and understood.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Quick Tip: The 6 x 6 Rule

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When designing presentations, the 6 x 6 rule serves as a valuable guideline to keep your slides clear and concise.

While not a strict rule, it’s a great reminder to avoid overcrowding your slides with too much text. Here’s what you need to know:

What is the 6 x 6 Rule? 

The 6 x 6 rule suggests limiting each slide to a maximum of six bullet points, with each bullet point containing no more than six words. This helps maintain focus and clarity.

Why Use the 6 x 6 Rule?

  1. 1. Guidance: It encourages you to distill your message, ensuring that your slides are easy to read and understand.
  2. 2. Engagement: By reducing text, your audience will stay more engaged. They’ll listen to you rather than read ahead of you!
  3. 3. Simplicity: Clean, uncluttered slides look more professional and are easier for your audience to follow.

Tips for Using the 6 x 6 Rule as a Guide

  • • Highlight Key Points: Focus on the most critical information you want to convey.
  • • Incorporate Visuals: Use images, graphs, and charts to support your points and add visual interest.
  • • Be Flexible: Remember, the 6 x 6 rule is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. Adjust as needed to suit your content and audience.

By using the 6 x 6 rule as a guide, you can create presentations that are not only informative but also visually appealing and easy to follow.

It’s a handy reminder to keep your slides from becoming too wordy, ensuring your message is clear and impactful.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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It’s How You Say It…

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When it comes to effective communication, how you make people feel often speaks louder than the words you use.

We all know (and studies show) that emotional awareness and empathy play a crucial role in successful interactions.

That’s why I cringe when I hear workplace phrases that dismiss them like, “check your emotions at the door…”. 🤢

Humans aren’t emotionless robots or machines, and emotions are a key component of communication.

Why Emotions Matter in Communication

  1. 1. Building Trust: People are more likely to trust and connect with you if they feel understood and valued.
  2. 2. Enhancing Engagement: Emotionally engaging communication captures attention and keeps your audience interested.
  3. 3. Creating Impact: The feelings you evoke can leave a lasting impression, making your message more memorable.

Tips for Effective Emotional Communication

  • • Be Authentic: Genuine emotions resonate more with people. Be yourself and let your true feelings show.
  • • Use Positive Body Language: Maintain eye contact if you are comfortable doing so, smile, and use open gestures to convey warmth and openness.
  • • Mind Your Tone: Your tone of voice can convey enthusiasm, empathy, and sincerity. Pay attention to how you say things, not just what you say.
  • • Listen Actively: Show that you care by listening attentively and responding thoughtfully.

By focusing on how you make people feel, you can enhance your communication skills and build stronger, more meaningful connections.

Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it that truly matters.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Before You Send That Email…

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Or text message over Slack or Teams…

Pause for a moment and consider if the message would benefit from a more rich experience — for the human on the other side.

Would hearing your tone of voice make sure the message is received in the way you intend?

Would being able to see your facial expression help ensure the message is not misunderstood?

Or perhaps it’s a difficult or touchy topic that would benefit from being face to face? Empathy is easier to demonstrate when it’s delivered with your voice and body language.

With so much of our communications happening through keyboards on our devices, it’s easy to forget how much room there is for misunderstanding — when you only have words to rely on.

Sometimes, you need more than words.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Is That How I Really Look?

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I used to hate seeing myself on video.

And guess what, most of my clients don’t love it that much, either.

But we are on video almost constantly in this world of virtual meetings and hybrid work environments.

How we show up matters.

I use recorded video a lot when I’m helping someone improve their presentation skills or their executive and leadership presence.

And even for those who despise it, they admit it’s totally worth the discomfort.

Try it. Record yourself giving a talk or presentation and watch it back. What do you see? What do you hear?

I’ll bet you’ll find at least one or two things you didn’t know you needed to improve upon.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Your (Likely) Underutilized Leadership Superpower

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What’s the most underused leadership tool?

I argue it’s listening.

We are bombarded with messages every day from brands, employers, colleagues, clients, friends, and family members.

With so much coming our way through our screens, it’s understandable that we begin to tune out the noise—anything that we don’t deem worthy of our attention.

Yet attention is what you need when you want to motivate, inspire, teach, or persuade.

And guess what? You won’t earn anyone’s full attention if you’re not willing to give them yours.

Start with being a better listener. Here are 5 tips to help:

  1. Put that smartphone away and make a commitment to actively listen.
  2. Listen more than you speak.
  3. Listen to what’s not being said and notice the person’s body language and tone.
  4. Be open to a different perspective.
  5. Try your best not to let your natural tendency to formulate your responses before someone is finished speaking get in the way. Hear them out.

Attention is the hottest currency out there today. Make your people feel that they matter by giving yours to them. People who feel seen and heard are more likely to be engaged, and to stay.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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The New Rules of Executive Presence: Beyond Outdated Notions

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Leadership and executive presence have evolved far beyond traditional stereotypes. I coach a lot of leaders on presence, and I’ll tell you right now that there is no “template” or “one way” to have presence. You need to do the work to find your authentic way to show up for yourself, and for the people you lead. Your way might not look like what you traditionally think about presence.

Let’s explore how modern-day leaders can cultivate a powerful presence that inspires and influences others.

Personal Brand vs. Executive Presence

Personal Brand: Your personal brand is your unique identity—the way you market yourself both within your organization and to external prospects and clients. It’s about confidently communicating your passions, value, and distinctive qualities. A strong personal brand establishes your abilities and capabilities in the minds of others.

Executive Presence: Executive presence goes beyond personal branding. It’s the intangible quality that makes you a leader others want to follow. It’s a blend of character, attitudes, and behaviors that demonstrate your commitment to your beliefs, values, and the success of those around you. When you possess executive presence, you look, sound, and act like a leader in the eyes of your team.

Perception Management, Not Manipulation

Both personal brand and executive presence involve managing perceptions, but they are not manipulative tactics. Instead, they require deep self-awareness. Knowing your passions, values, and authentic purpose allows you to communicate and connect genuinely with others. Remember, a leadership title doesn’t automatically grant executive presence; it’s earned through consistent actions and behaviors.

Authenticity Matters

Here’s where outdated notions of presence fall off the rails. People can sense when it’s all an act. Learning how to perfect body language, eye contact, “charisma” — sure, they can help. But that’s not the whole story. In fact, I firmly believe you can be someone who struggles with certain traditional “behaviors” that are associated with presence and still have a strong presence that inspires people.

Authenticity is the key. Being authentic is the cornerstone of executive presence. And it isn’t about conforming to expectations; it’s about staying true to ourselves while adapting to our roles — and adapting our communications for those we lead.

The New Rules

  • Transparency and vulnerability build trust. Share your challenges and growth experiences openly.
  • Truly listen to others. It’s a sign of respect and empathy. And minimize those darn distractions that take your attention away.
  • Adapt swiftly to change. Flexibility and agility are essential.
  • Be digital savvy. Mastering digital communication is crucial.
  • Champion inclusion. Create an environment where everyone feels valued.

The Bottom Line

Modern leadership and executive presence transcends outdated norms. It’s about authenticity, adaptability, and genuine connection. As leaders, let’s redefine presence and inspire those around us to do the same.

This post was inspired by a new workshop I am co-creating with a colleague as well as a recent HBR article that’s worth the read.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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New Insights in the Core Strengths Platform

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If you’ve experienced the SDI 2.0 assessment with us, you know how powerful the relationship intelligence and communication tools are. And they’re getting better!

There is a new and improved feature in Compare called Insights. You can use them to:

  • Get personalized suggestions to prevent conflict and adapt your style to others.
  • Endorse tips to encourage others how to work best with you; and see what others have endorsed so you can honor their work style.
  • Add up to 30 teammates for an expanded view of how to build stronger relationships at work.

Log in to the Platform to use these new features today!

Want to help your people reach their highest potential and be at their collaborative best?
Let’s talk about our interpersonal and workplace relationships programs.

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Beyond Grit

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Lately, my LinkedIn feed has been full of posts about “grit.”  The concept has become a rallying cry—almost a badge of honor worn by those who refuse to give up. 

But what exactly is grit, and how does it intersect with effective leadership? Let’s explore the nuances. 

Grit, at its core, embodies a combination of perseverance and passion—the unwavering commitment to long-term goals. Yet, here lies the paradox: Some mistake grit for blind perseverance, assuming that relentless effort alone will propel them to success. 

In reality, true grit is more than that. It involves a balance between persistence and flexibility.

Listen, I can persevere like the best of them. It’s one of my top overdone strengths. And I have to remember that relentless effort and persistence are not always the right tools for the job. In fact, some of the best business decisions I’ve ever made have involved giving up something that wasn’t working.

Those decisions were sometimes hard, especially when I cared deeply about something or believed in something so much. But ultimately it came down to my emotional (and sometimes physical) well-being. That’s right—overemphasizing grit without considering well-being can lead to burnout. 

Listen, grit has its place. It certainly is a valuable part of a larger leadership puzzle. The most effective leaders combine it with adaptability, skill development, emotional intelligence, and a holistic view of well-being.

Want to read more about grit and its superpowers and pitfalls? This article from Psychology Today hits on some important points to keep in mind. 

Looking to sharpen your emotional intelligence and leadership communication skills? We can help. Let’s talk.

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