Page 133 - Roy W. Rice - CEO Material How to Be a Leader in Any Organization-McGraw-Hill (2009)

114 • CEO Material: How to Be a Leader in Any Organization

A moment can turn into a memory that lasts forever—for good
or bad.

What Does Intangible Fuzzy “Fitting In” Mean?
What Does It Look Like?

If you choose to do this (because it is your choice), you

■ Give people what you want them to read and ensure that the
message you send is the one you intend.
■ Convey a positive attitude—an intensity in carriage, stance, walk,
and posture.
■ Have exceptional executive presence.
■ Act like a leader even when you don’t feel like it or are tired,
mad, or sad.
■ Knock down barriers to effective communication by your
demeanor.
■ Get described as memorable, impressive, credible, genuine,
trusted, liked, cool, calm, collected, charismatic, comfortable,
competent, and confident.

There are numerous physical descriptors that we use in our lan-
guage to suggest character, such as, “He can stand on his own two feet,”
“She looks you in the eye,” “He is level-headed,” and “She rises to the
occasion,” for example.
What we’re trying to say when we use such language is that the
person is self-reliant, honest, has common sense, and will step up (to use
another physical description!) when necessary.
You can know in your heart that you are all those things, but if you
can’t stand solidly on your own two feet, look people in the eye, keep your
head level, and literally rise to the occasion, no one will ever know!
How do you stand on your own two feet? Don’t lean against a wall,
a desk, or a lectern. Don’t cross your arms over your chest or stuff your