Mike and I were recently working with a large group of very smart client managers, helping them understand how to use the DiSC model in their everyday work.  As an exercise, we had managers break into groups and work together to figure out, “How do we brief Executive X?” In this case, we posited that they were leading a project that was now seriously behind schedule and was going over budget, and they needed to inform the business unit leader and get approval on their next steps.

I’m going to create a separate post describing in more detail the exercise we used, but the short version is that a series of managers had to present to everyone else, based on what they knew of this executive, how they would brief him/her.

It’s important to note three things before we go any further.  First, we knew this person’s profile.  Second, the executive really was quite senior. She ran a fairly large global business, with tens of millions of annual revenue, perhaps even nine figures.  Clearly, an executive with a great deal of experience and responsibility. 

Third, she was in the room at the time. 

One manager was appointed by his group to present their approach, and as he finished he said:

(I don’t want to ruin the humor by talking after the punchline or explaining it - I think everyone will get it.  But I can tell you, what you are about to read brought the house down, and was the perfect segue to a break filled with laughter and ribbing of the perpetrator.)

“We’re going to present three different possible options, and recommend one of them. And, we’re going to make her feel like she made the decision.”

Stumble it!

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 21st, 2006 at 7:51 am and is filed under general.

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