Something big has just happened. Somebody needs to say something. You look around the room and see everyone staring back at you. Crap, that somebody is you, huh? With a title like President, Co-chair, or Head Honcho, you’re expected to have the words when nobody else does. That doesn’t mean you feel ready.
Being a leader comes with a lot of different roles. You create huge ideas and work with your team to see them through. You’re well known in your community. But another part of being a leader is to be able to step up and lead when important moments happen, good or bad. And while actions speak louder than words, you cannot stay silent in those moments.
Let’s take a look at five situations when leaders are required to speak
When Running for a Position
This is the first step on your leadership journey. If your organization elects the board each year, you will most likely need to make some sort of speech or presentation to win their votes. You need a solid set of reasons that prove you are ready to handle anything the future of your organization brings you.
At Big Events
Whether it’s a peace march or your Christmas play, the best events need a clear beginning and end. The audience and the members of your organization need to hear that pep talk and closing thought to make the biggest impact. These words from the leader are opportunities to remind everyone what your organization stands for. Without definition, your culture is up for a lot of interpretation.
During Crisis
Sometimes, very unexpected things happen. There is no way to plan for them, but that doesn’t excuse you from pointing your organization in the right direction, especially when they feel lost. When there’s a disgruntled member causing drama, a tragedy, or loss of funding, your team needs a united plan. As a leader, you must be able to eloquently, gracefully, and positively speak to them and communicate that plan.
At Team Meetings
It may seem that your small board meetings don’t need to be very formal or structured. But the truth is, if the board isn’t on the same page and fully dedicated as one group, your entire organization will suffer. There are times when the leader must step up and bring everyone back on track. Worse, if one member is not doing their job, they need to be pulled aside and coached to find the root of the issue. Passive aggression or hoping the problem disappears never works. You always have to speak honestly and directly.
When Passing the Torch
At the end of your leadership journey, you will need to be able to share your highs, lows, tips, and advice to the next group of leaders. Your job as leader is not done until the next generation feels that you have prepared them to take on your role. They need your confidence and expertise as they look ahead to their new adventure.
We know that both introverts and extroverts make great leaders. But the inevitability of standing public speaking might scare the quiet types from leadership roles. If you’d like to gain more confidence at the front of the room, join us in NYC for our Speak Easy Bootcamp. This one-day retreat on 12/3 that will teach you to present like a professional.
