More survey results from Distinction Communication’s 2009 Annual Presentation Impact Survey…
Q5. We expect our managers to model good presentation skills. How would you evaluate you own manager’s personal presentation skills?
13.8% Very strong presenter
49.5% Above average
25.2% Just average
11.5% Not very good or very poor
Ok, we were a little surprised. Over 63% of those surveyed actually thought their managers were pretty good presenters. Many of you are probably a little blown away because you have a manager in mind who misses the mark… by a lot. But could this actually be a ‘chicken or egg’ response? Do good presenters find quicker career paths in leadership or does leadership seem to challenge people to overcome their natural tendency towards mediocrity?
What this means to you…
One of our executive trainers worked for an international sports apparel company at one time in her career. She was unmistakably a great communicator! During the course of her time there, she was offered a number of promotional opportunities - most she had to turn down. She knew the positions were beyond her experience level but people just assumed significant competence because of her ability to communicate well.
After working with hundreds of executives and senior managers, we find that a majority of them (there are obviously exceptions), demonstrate a better than average set of personal communication skills. Are they great? A few. But most fall into the “better than average” category. Is there a morale to this story? Maybe. Find every opportunity you can to receive coaching to enhance your ability to shape, design and deliver a rock solid presentation. Odds are if we’ve interpreted this data right, you will find that next big promotion will come just that much sooner.
See what value Warren Bullet puts on personal communication skills!
To receive a copy of the entire survey, visit our website and sign up for our Mark of Distinction eNewsletter. All the results from the December 2009 Presentation Impact Survey will be in the March 2010 issue. Don’t miss it!
