2008 News Release
Five Smart Moves for Bolstering Your Leadership Image

CCL Research Uncovers Common Mistakes that Can Sabotage Your Effectiveness.

April 2008 - Greensboro, N.C. - If you want to keep your career moving ahead, managing your image is a must. Your effectiveness as a leader is directly linked to how others perceive you, according to research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL^®), a top-ranked, global nonprofit focused on leadership education and research.

"There are generally gaps between how people are perceived and how they think they are perceived," says CCL researcher Corey Criswell. "Managing your image is not about creating a false image; rather it is about recognizing genuine aspects of yourself that should be coming across to other people-but aren't for some reason."

Criswell and CCL senior fellow David Campbell are the authors of Building an Authentic Leadership Image. The new book describes how leaders can assess, choose and craft the image they need to ensure a long and vibrant career.

Many leaders assume image-building is superficial and therefore unimportant. But research by Criswell and Campbell has shown otherwise. Whether it's one on one, on the phone, riding the elevator or in the boardroom, your image is defined by any impression you make on others through your personality, body language, behavior and speaking style.

"Gain a clear picture of the image others have of you, decide what image you would like to portray and develop the skills to close the gap," says Criswell.

Failing to do so could lead people to make incorrect assumptions about you that ultimately hinder your leadership effectiveness. In their book, Criswell and Campbell explore five "image busters" - common mistakes that reflect negatively on your leadership image. With some work, these can be turned into leadership image enhancers:

Image Buster #1: Too much seriousness
Image Enhancer: You need not be serious to be taken seriously. A smile and some warmth are positive qualities for leaders. If you're overly reserved, you can be perceived as stiff and uncaring.

Image Buster #2: Weak speaking skills.
Image Enhancer: Find a speaking coach to help you improve your vocal style by developing compelling intonation, volume and diction. Learn to tell stories that give interesting examples of how a problem was solved or how someone did something notable.

Image Buster #3: Lack of clarity
Image Enhancer: Master your message and practice to make it clear and specific so listeners won't tune out and assume you don't know what you're talking about. Vague, disjointed or rambling sentences confuse people.

Image Buster #4: Self-absorption
Image Enhancer: By overusing I, me, and my, you risk isolating yourself and turning off your audience. Focus on we. Inclusive language will inspire your listeners and draw on shared effort and interests.

Image Buster #5: Obvious discomfort with others
Image Enhancer: Show confidence. Use body language that shows you are relaxed and comfortable in your leadership role. You especially need to show that you are always prepared to handle difficult situations. Otherwise, people will doubt your ability to be effective.

About the Center for Creative Leadership
The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL^®) is a top-ranked, global provider of executive education that develops better leaders through its exclusive focus on leadership education and research. Founded in 1970 as a nonprofit, educational institution, CCL helps clients worldwide cultivate creative leadership - the capacity to achieve more than imagined by thinking and acting beyond boundaries - through an array of programs, products and other services. Ranked No. 8 worldwide in the 2008 Financial Times executive education survey, CCL is headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., with campuses in Colorado Springs, Colo.; San Diego, Calif.; Brussels, Belgium; and Singapore. Its work is supported by more than 500 faculty members and staff.

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