Using techniques and research gathered from a unique blend of experience in business, communications, linguistics, political science, dramatic arts, and psychology to engagements, GuruMaker can help increase self-awareness, foster change and provide frameworks for action that promote sustainable behavioral shifts. Recent engagements illustrate how GuruMaker helps improve the business performance and outcomes of people critical to the organization’s success.

A senior executive at GM was in line for a major promotion. A 360-degree evaluation contained praise for his knowledge of and passion for the industry, strategic vision and integrity.

However, many comments indicated concern about his “emotional intelligence”. To be successful in his new role, the general consensus was he needed to understand that his actions and emotions will take on a much different meaning. He needed to watch how he communicated – both verbally as well as through body language.

In many instances, when he was unhappy or displeased, the executive could appear remote. While not his intention, others found this behavior intimidating and preferred not to speak up. He needed be more open when someone had a different view.

GuruMaker was retained for a year-long coaching engagement to help the executive develop a firm grasp of both his strengths and developmental needs. Sessions focused on learning how to:

  • Become aware of and control negative body language
  • Project warmth and strength
  • Practice empathy
  • Listen more attentively

After the coaching engagement, another 360-degree evaluation was conducted. Feedback showed great progress and the individual was now seen as:

  • Less emotional
  • A better listener
  • More open to different perspectives
  • More approachable

As this executive considered his future career path, he gained new enthusiasm for how to use his leadership as a catalyst for change.

Approximately 90 percent of GE’s top 600 leaders are promoted internally and the company invests around $1 billion every year in training. Twice a year, GuruMaker leads a workshop on communicating with executive presence during a two-week management training program at GE’s renowned leadership development facility in Crotonville, New York.

The course provides advanced leadership training for IT managers. GuruMaker focuses on teaching these future executives how to deliver convincing arguments that connect with the audience. The first part of the training takes an innovative approach that employs GuruMaker’s acting coaches working with participants on improvisational skills. This kind of training teaches individuals to think fast on their feet, how to work together by bouncing ideas back and forth, and to listen more actively. Participants also commented on how comfortable the team was with one another after the improv exercises.

The second part of the training features making a pitch, based on a case study, to a jury of senior GE managers.  With a new understanding of and comfort with their speaking abilities, the IT managers gain valuable lessons they can apply back on the job. These include how to:

  • Engage their audience
  • Present their solution with authority, credibility and conviction
  • Respond with confidence to tough questions from key stakeholders

According to Sarah Ley, former manager of the program at Crotonville, GuruMaker receives “stellar feedback from participants” for their coaching on executive presence and communication skills.

Ayers Saint Gross, a 100-year-old design firm with a staff of over 130 people, has provided architectural services to many leading universities, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The firm’s academic projects range from master plans for entire campuses to classroom buildings, labs, performing arts centers and business schools.

Large-scale architectural projects are not always awarded on the merit of the design. The final interview often can make or break the selection process.

Since 2008, GuruMaker has worked with the firm to help them hone their communication skills. Work has focused on strategic storytelling, persuasive presentations, message development and sales pitches. Coaching preparation has covered such topics as:

  • Structuring presentations for maximum impact
  • Using body language and vocal tonality effectively
  • Adjusting content and style to diverse audiences
  • Maintaining focus and thematic unity
  • Creating powerful openings and closings
  • Establishing credibility and likability
  • Handling Q & A sessions with confidence

Ayers Saint Gross often asks GuruMaker to help them prepare for team presentations when the firm is a finalist for a large-scale project. Among those Ayers Saint Gross has been awarded is the design of a $90M law school at the University of Baltimore.

Organizations with operations on several continents face special challenges when it comes to ensuring that executives have the skills they need to work effectively with counterparts in other countries. Hewlett-Packard’s Asia-Pacific group sought GuruMaker’s help to improve:

  • Executive presence
  • Listening and empathy
  • Team leadership
  • Cross-cultural communications

GuruMaker coaches led HP executives through two- and three-day customized training workshops drawing upon their experience in global business and organizational dynamics, research in behavioral sciences, psychology, anthropology, linguistics, communication theory and the dramatic arts. Participants:

  • Gained a greater awareness of their own personal leadership style
  • Refined essential management skills such as hiring and team building
  • Improved communication for executive briefings, change management and integration

Ready to discuss how we can help your leaders grow?

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how our customized workshops and programs can help your organization.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176

Ready to discuss how we can help your leaders grow?

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how our tailored Executive Presence workshops and one-on-one Executive Coaching sessions can help your organization.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176

Ready to discuss how we can help your leaders grow?

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how our tailored Leadership Development workshops can help your organization.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176

Ready to discuss how we can help your leaders grow?

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how our customized Effective Communication workshops can help your organization.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176

Ready to discuss how we can help your leaders grow?

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how our executive coaching programs can help your leaders grow and succeed at any level.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176

Unleash the power of your own storytelling skills

Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn about Effective Communication service or to explore our programs.

Schedule My Call

Or call us now at 866-740-4176