You Have Two Choices: Influential Executive Communications

You are at a conference. You have sat down for an impromptu chat with a Very Important Stakeholder for your organisation. You have not met them before. They say, “tell me about yourself.” You have two choices. (1) Summarise your responsibilities in the business and your upcoming policy priorities. (2) Tell them your core values.

Make your move

Tricky, isn’t it. You’ve only got a few minutes and you need to build credibility and have an impact. Your role and extensive responsibilities will certainly impress them and let them know you are a serious person. Outlining your core values, on the other hand, seems a bit pretentious.

Let’s play out the scenario (which, by the way, is based on real life).

Taking option (1), you say “I’m the executive director responsible for X, Y and Z at Organisation Noname. I’m really enjoying it. We’ve got some exciting work in development in areas A, B and C that I’d love to take you through.”

Taking option (2), you say, “I’m passionate about inclusion and diversity, fascinated by the creative potential of new technologies, and I’m a bit obsessed with continuous learning. Organisation Noname is a great place for me to work because they feel the same way. Have you heard about the things we’re doing in A, B and C.”

Option (2), it turns out, isn’t pretentious. It’s a quick and impactful way to communicate something meaningful about you and your organisation to a key stakeholder. And it segues neatly into slipping in those upcoming developments. More importantly, it is far more likely to gain trust, which is a fundamental precondition for influence. This is a core aspect of effective leadership communication.

So, which path will you choose when that crucial moment arises and the Very Important Stakeholder is looking at you expectantly while glancing at their watch? Will you dare to reveal the deeper motivations that drive you? I hope you will. Detailing your role might offer a quick factual snapshot, but sharing your core values lays the groundwork for something far more powerful: a genuine connection. It shows not just what you do, but why you do it, inviting your audience to see the shared authenticity beneath the professional facade. This is where real influence lies, fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Now it’s your turn. Imagine yourself in front of your Very Important Stakeholder and write down how you will introduce yourself through your values. Try it out on the next appropriate occasion, and use your new influencing power wisely. For more executive communication coaching tips, explore our resources.