Welcome back to the look and sound of leadership.

An ongoing series of executive coaching tips designed to help you be perceived in the

workplace the way you want to be perceived.

I'm Tom Henschel, your executive coach, and today we're talking about how to turn data

into stories.

Nigel was a Brit who loved language.

He took pride in being well spoken.

So when Mandep, his CEO, told him his first presentations to the board of directors

hadn't been up to par, he was a bit stung.

He'd had a flash of anger when Mandep suggested he work with me.

Then in the very next instant he saw the coaching as a gift.

Nigel was the only senior staffer from outside the company.

Everyone had been very generous with their help as he learned the culture.

He was conscious of receiving many gifts.

He told me he saw the coaching as one more.

Prior to our first conversation, Nigel and I each spoke with Mandep to hear his goals

for Nigel's coaching.

In my conversation with him, Mandep was clear that he thought Nigel was a good presenter

who needed to get better at two things.

Telling a better story and being more responsive in the moment.

When Nigel and I compared notes, he had heard the same two goals.

Tell a better story, be more responsive in the moment.

...