Many people we coach will express concern and, in some cases, even fear at being challenged by senior people while giving presentations at work.
This can be stultifying in terms of a person trying something a little different from the 'norm' when designing, preparing and delivering a presentation for fear of encouraging criticism.
However, our experience has revealed that many senior leaders in organisations like to be presented with new ideas and innovative solutions. In fact we often hear similar phrases to the following from most CEOs we work with:
"I would prefer it if my people would come to me with more ideas for potential solutions as well as their research and questions."
"I'm always interested in seeing and hearing how passionate someone is about the content of their presentation."
"I want my people to be authentic and honest with me and not just do and say what they 'think' I want them them to do and say."
"I want to be surprised."
Sometimes senior people will challenge us, not because they believe we are wrong or because they want to put us off our stroke or intimidate us, many times it's simply so they can test our response. This can be both conscious and unconscious.
So, next time you find yourself presenting in front of senior execs, re-frame the reason for the challenges you might receive to your ideas as the leader's test for the strength and resolve of your commitment to a message and your ability stand by what you believe.
If you've ensured that you are connected to your message by preparing and integrating the delivery and performance of the presentation in all 4 dimensions, then any challenge can be welcomed as a chance to demonstrate your confidence in and commitment to an idea, strategy or proposition.
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