I don’t know about you — But, when I was growing up, being labeled as ‘nice’ or as an ‘especially generous sort’ in business was a less than fulsome compliment…especially, if  aimed at someone aspiring to leadership roles.

It suggested that you were somehow soft, naïve, and maybe even bit of a pushover — The sort who wouldn’t blot a copybook, cause a fuss, or upset anyone.

Yes, your family, friends, and local communities may have appreciated you, but you mightn’t have been considered  veritable captain of industry material.

In the old days of command and control companies and business cultures, leaders were expected to be ‘firm but fair’ and to exude authority – commonly leaving delicate sensibilities hidden from view. A stiff upper lip, loyalty, and lashings of confidence were valued so you could be trusted to direct others and they’d likely follow and comply. It was all a bit: “Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir”.

Those days have gone – both in how you lead others and interact with customers

In today’s world, you can no longer expect:

• Employees to dance to your tune because you hummed it.
• Customers to buy your messages for your reasons ahead of their own, no matter how confidently you uttered or shared them
• Anyone to trust you if you don’t first earn it

Yes folks. As the singer Bob Dylon once warbled “The times they are a changin’ ”

And why?

Much of it is down to how technology has completely transformed how we do things, how we gather and share information, and how we interact with others these days versus even half a generation ago.

In this digital era, the only thing certain is uncertainty and, in the face of 24/7-information overload, inattention has become the single biggest stumbling block to business communication – both of the internal and external varieties.

And here’s something else. You can forget about any notion that traditional ‘interruption style’ marketing communications will cut it for the fast emerging and increasingly influential ‘millennial’ and (after them)‘generation z’ markets. They’re ‘so’ old hat!

Yikes. So, how do you rise above this new mire to win the attention, engagement, and trust you need from those you’d like to influence?

Great question. And that’s the subject of today’s expert interview when I had the chance to chat with international keynote speaker, author, and nice guy Shel Israel about his new book ‘Lethal Generosity‘ (a truly awesome read) and why focusing on better audience experiences will help you to win more hearts and minds for years to come.

Speakers – Why Being Nice Will Turbocharge Your Influence For Years to Come

Listen in as we discuss:

• How being nicer can win you greater loyalty and champions for your ideas
• Why traditional marketing has become old hat and is in decline
• How to up your connection with millennials, who don’t trust leaders, corporate spokespeople, or celebrities
• Why speakers need something value to share versus pontificating
• What you can learn from the uber business model
• How mobile is part of your audience’s experience
• How The advent of periscope and similar tools is changing the speaker business
• Issues of ownership emerging
• Why stories consistently win out over flashy graphs and bullet points
• Why you can’t lecture millennials and engagement is vital
• The power of getting real (showing who you are, what you have in common, and why others need to trust you.

And Speaking of Upping Your Engagement With Audiences

I’m delighted to announce that ‘How to Make Powerful Speeches 2nd Edition – A Step-by-Step Guide to Inspiring and Memorable Speeches’ is now available on Amazon: Click Here

Get your copy today.

Learn how to conquer speaking anxieties and what it takes to give confident, polished, and persuasive talks.

This book will help you to discover how to transform your speech making abilities; helping you to inspire others with your ideas, every time you take to your feet.

Photo Credit: University of the Frazer Valley