3V leadership strategy

by Sarah Hathorn

At the beginning of my tenure as a senior executive in a Fortune 100 company, I struggled against my naturally introverted nature. I was young, shy and especially uncomfortable when making presentations. But fortunately a boss of mine, who heard my voice trembling as I nervously tried to give my report to the company CEO, took me aside and mentored me. She imparted a “3V” leadership strategy that has proven to be one of the simplest and most important lessons of my professional life:

Visible: Ensure that your executive presence makes a memorable impact. Be a role model in how you dress and behave. Acquire a mastery of global business etiquette and non-verbal communication. Consistently convey a polished, professional look that resonates with your company brand/image.

Vocal: Practice public speaking until it becomes second nature. Choose words that give your message clarity and persuasive power. Develop into the kind of leader and spokesperson who can step in front of the media on a moment’s notice as the face of your organization, even during a crisis.

Valuable: The greatest value leaders can contribute to their organizations is the ability to recognize and develop raw talent, design high-performance symbiotic teams and then lead those teams with positive inspiration.

Looking back, I find it ironic that I was so timid in those days, as my entire career now revolves around being an extroverted communicator on stage or behind the podium. But I could not have done it without my mentor’s help and her “3V” advice.

Sarah Hathorn is the CEO of Illustra Consulting and may be reached at www.illustraconsulting.com.