Monday, June 30, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 200


 ‘This, then, is a story of Lincoln’s political genius revealed through his extraordinary array of personal qualities that enabled him to form friendships with men who had previously opposed him; to repair injured feelings that, left untended, might have escalated into permanent hostility; to assume responsibility for the failures of subordinates, to share credit with ease; and to learn from mistakes. He possessed an acute understanding of the sources of power inherent in the presidency, an unparalleled ability to keep his growing coalition intact, a tough-minded appreciation of the need to protect his presidential prerogatives, and a masterful sense of timing. His success in dealing with the strong egos of the men in his cabinet suggests that in the hands of a truly great politician the qualities we generally associate with decency and morality – kindness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, and empathy – can also be impressive political resources.’
- Doris Kearns Goodwin

Sunday, June 29, 2014

How to present to senior management without being terrified. 6 of 9


Don’t make them wait for what you’re going to say. Flowery won’t cut it: start out with your conclusions. If, in effect, the speaker plays “guessy-guessy” with the listener, guess who’s going to lose every time?!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 199


'...and that government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Friday, June 27, 2014

How to present to senior management without being terrified. 5 of 9


As the world-class executive speech coach Patricia Fripp says, your presentation doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be personable. What you will end up saying won’t be a conversation, but it must sound conversational.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 198


'And upon this act [The Emancipation Proclamation] sincerely believed to be an act of justice warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How to present to senior management without being terrified. 4 of 9


Don’t attempt to memorize other than the introduction and the conclusion, and leave PowerPoint to the amateurs [unless you’re ok with showing a slide while your audience is distracted away from your next three or four sentences].