Top 4 Ways NOT to Bomb in the Boardroom

<p>http://www.sherylkline.com/blog<br/><br/>Have you ever had a meeting, presentation or any important interaction go sideways? Most of us have. Along with being a missed opportunity to  gain the influence, recognition or respect we want and deserve, what stings the most is usually our disappointment in ourselves. Let’s make sure it never happens again.<br/><br/>Here are the top 4 ways that amazing leaders and emerging leaders make mistakes AND how to convert the bomb to being a boss in the boardroom (or in any other crucial interaction):<br/><br/>1.) Lack of Preparation<br/><br/>Since you and your colleagues are likely Zoomed out, this is more important now more than ever. Plan key points/asks/needs/outcomes. Think through how you want the interaction to turn out, and how you want to feel once it’s over. Make it as vivid and visceral as possible, then visualize it until you believe it’s possible.<br/><br/>2.) Lack of Empathy<br/><br/>When it comes to crucial conversations, presentations, meetings etc, especially those that are high pressure/highly important, it’s common for emotions to run high. Lack of empathy can make you sound nervous, doubtful, angry, or frustrated. This can likely close off others to what you have to say. If you want to be heard, prepare by taking a 360 look at what it’s like to be the person you are trying to influence. Then, your tone will shift as will your ability to  be heard. <br/><br/>I’m not saying you don’t deserve to be angry or frustrated in certain situations, BUT it likely will not yield the results you’re hoping for. According to ex-FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss, the 7-38-55 rule applies which relates to the importance of words, tone and body language, in that order. So, you could say ‘I love you.’ and get yelled at by your significant other IF your tone and body language are off. When it comes to work, it’s vital to prepare our mindset and stay calm, or the conversation could do more harm than good. This rings true for men and wom