We asked Elise Mitchell, executive coach, founder of agency Mitchell Communications Group and author of “Leading Through the Turn” a few questions in preparation for Ragan’s upcoming Leadership Summit & Retreat on Sept. 17-19 in California, she’ll be one of our prestigious guest speakers.
What’s one rule you’ve broken in your career that has paid off?
I often said “yes” to clients before I knew exactly how we’d get something done. That created positive pressure, forcing us to innovate if needed, and to deliver faster and better than if we’d waited to figure it out in our spare time.
What’s the power phrase that lives in your head when you need to speak up, make the call or take the stage?
“Look through the turn”
– a principle of motorcycling I learned that has applied to my entrepreneurial and leadership journeys. That principle guides me to make a plan for the potential challenges I might face, but not to fixate on them. Instead, keep my eyes focused on where I want to end up.
Do you have a scrappy move or shortcut you used early in your career that you still swear by?
Ask people, “What can I do for you?” Offer help sincerely, with no strings attached. It’s a simple question that builds goodwill and reciprocity, largely because it’s so rarely asked. Adam Grant’s book “Give and Take” captures this idea, showing how generosity, when authentic, can be a powerful long-term advantage. This approach helped me countless times to build meaningful relationships with others.
To all the high-performing women out there: Join Elise and your comms peers at the Leadership Summit & Retreat next month. Secure your seat now!
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