I told you last week about a team of people who were worried about an upcoming corporate restructuring. Their inner voices were whispering unhelpful thoughts suggesting they might not be smart enough, or sophisticated enough, or snazzy enough to fit in with their new colleagues. While it was clear to me that these fears were completely unjustified, I needed to help them figure that out for themselves.
So, I stopped our session and asked them each to write a one-line introduction they would use when they met a new colleague. It was a bit painful at first, but as they supported and cajoled each other into being bolder, the energy in the room started to rise. By the end, we had people standing up and introducing themselves to a room of 100 colleagues. It was amazing how having good introductions helped them feel more confident and less like imposters.
What if you had to stand up in front of a room of 100 colleagues and introduce yourself? Do you know what you’d say?
Nail Your Introduction
Take a few minutes (it’s harder than you think) and write yourself a crisp and compelling one-line introduction. Play around with it until you like it and then test it out on a few folks who know you. Let them punch it up a little (as if having your own advertising agency to consult with). They can help you take out the fluff, add in the good bits, and amp up the interest.
Try this at your next team meeting, leadership development session, or heck, even at book club. Everybody benefits from a good introduction.
Secrets of Success
Distil your role down to its essential focus. Pick one idea. Don’t dilute your introduction by trying to cram in everything you do. If the first sip is sweet enough, they’ll ask for more.
Give your introduction some fizz. Talk more about why you do what you do, rather than what you do. What’s the problem you’re solving?
Garnish with really great verbs. Do you help your organization navigate complex regulations? Do you help customers explore new options? Do you mobilize complex project teams?
Remove anything that will leave a bitter taste. I can’t tell you how many people use the word “just” somewhere in their introduction. Yuck. No. I don’t want to spend my time with someone who is “just” anything. I want the person who is all in. Get rid of any limp, lame, or lackluster words.
What Dent are you Making?
I met a woman recently and asked, “What’s the dent you’re making in the universe?” She said, “I’m not really making a dent in the universe, I’m just a tax accountant.” Turns out she was the lead tax accountant for a company operating in 22 countries. Her introduction could be “I wrangle the tax codes of 22 different jurisdictions to help my company maximize profit and minimize risk.” Sounds pretty cool to me!
Do you hate company events because you have to meet new people? Try working on your introduction and you’ll see how a great introduction boosts your confidence. A great introduction starts a great conversation, and it gets way easier from there.
If you’re reading this as it comes out, I’m in London at the Thinkers50 event, which honors the top management thinkers in the world. A friend of mine is nominated for an award and I’m tagging along. I decided that these are the kind of people I need to be exposed to if I’m going to keep advancing my work. I’m slightly terrified. Wanna’ know what I did to prepare? Yup, I worked with my coach on my introduction. “Hi, I’m Liane Davey. I’m creating systems to normalize and neutralize conflict.” That plus a snazzy new dress and I’m ready to knock ‘em dead. Wish me luck!
Further Reading
Everyone is Pitching Something. Including You.
Thank you for these insightful tips Liane. You are simply awesome. Introductions are so important and i love what you said about giving the why.
You don’t need any luck in that crowd Liane. You’ll be in that crowd soon enough. And, I love your intro. Thank you for all you do to neutralize and normalize conflict!
Thanks so much Evelina! I am so grateful for your support!
Love it. I will work on mine and send it to you for Snazzing!
I would love to snazz your introduction!!
Hi Liane.
Your talk today in Calgary was great. The concept of conflict debt is so pertinent and really touches me. Like you I was brought up to be polite, respectful and avoid conflict at all costs. Its taking a lot of coaching to get me sorted with taking conflict on as needed. I wish I was better at it as my larger team of work colleagues is SO great and yet so mute on the important stuff, often shut down by our leader. With humour I often disrupt and get people thinking/talking but its a little too gentle and its’ only ever me still.
Anyhow, keep it going! You have a great message and for women in particular its often that much more challenging.
Regards,
Jane.
P.S. I’m the University of Calgary’s university architect leading a diverse team in the development of a stupendous PRAIRIE UNDER THE BIG SKY vision for our campus spaces, places, buildings and grounds.
Jane, thanks so much for your feedback. And that is a GREAT introduction…definitely makes me want to know more.