Description
Book SynopsisBased on a corporate crisis ripped from today’s headlines, "Unleash Your BS (Best Self)" tells the tale of Fortune 500 managers who are suddenly facing a post-merger downsizing. With their careers hanging in the balance, they are dropped into a leadership and communications training program that will either leave them in charge . . .or leave them behind.
JT Black, the independent consultant known for his entertaining style and powerful results, is assigned the task of developing their leadership finesse, executive presence, and communication skills. In other words, cajoling them to lead and be heard.
"Unleash Your BS" is for every manager ready to rise to the next level of his or her leadership. Whether you’re in a volatile work environment or are gearing up for your next promotion, this book offers concrete techniques for enhancing your executive presence and strengthening your personal brand.
Trade Review“This book is an excellent reminder of Jeff's key messages, delivered in a fun format. I've worked with Jeff for more than a decade, and I am always glad that I asked for help or brought him in to help others.” -- Chip Blankenship, President & CEO - GE Appliances
“A refreshing story that captures how his Executive Presence Program is delivered. Jeff Black has had a remarkable impact on my career,” -- Bill Collins, Vice President, American Airlines
Regardless of your experience as a communicator, [this book] should be on your "must read" list. The concepts are conveyed through stories that are fun to read yet packed with important lessons. . .to be your "best self." -- Kimberly Admire, Former Vice President, Lockheed Martin Corporation
“It is a great business story that brings to life the corporate environment in moments of crisis, while providing simple to digest tactics to improve one’s personal brand.” -- Lilkar Molina, Senior Engineer Procter & Gamble
"Exhilarating! Engaging! Relevant! Useful! Bold! Just a few words used to describe Black Sheep, and more specifically, Jeff Black. Year after year, Jeff delights audiences at the leadership development conferences I host for high potential leaders from around the world. Unleash Your BS is a natural extension of Jeff's dynamic approach to Executive Presence. I can feel his personal charisma jump off the pages! This is a powerful tool for any professional looking to elevate Executive Presence in the workplace and beyond." -- Renee Cutright, Vice President, Human Resources Nielsen
“This is not a typical business book. It has more twists and turns than a daytime soap opera. Jeff Black is a dear friend, who can make a world of difference in your professional career.” -- Eileen Fulton, Actress, Starring as “Lisa” on CBS-TV’s As the World Turns, Procter & Gamble Productions
“Unleash Your BS is Jeff Black at his very best … doing what he loves to do … in his own unique and very ‘real’ way. He will make a positive difference for his readers—just as he has (and does!) for me.” -- Paula Harper Bethea, Executive Director South Carolina Education Lottery, Former Chair United Way of America
“This is a dynamic and fun manual for staging effective communications! Each act in this book presents a practical model for real world business environments!” -- Dr. Shue-Jane Thompson, Director, Performance Excellence Lockheed Martin Corporation
“I first met Jeff Black when he was working in the mailroom at Aaron Spelling Productions. I immediately noticed that he possessed a unique presence, so I quickly hired him into Business Affairs where he was a true partner. Since that time, we’ve stayed in touch and I am now thrilled to be endorsing his book. We share the same values and integrity and know the importance of passing on to others what we’ve learned.” -- Beth Whelpley. Vice President, Business Affairs NBC Universal
Table of ContentsAct 1
Scene I: A Tale of Two Companies
Scene II: The Participants Arrive
Scene III: Executive Presence by Definition
Scene IV: The Black Sheep
Act 2
Scene I: Taking Control and Command
Scene II: Building Confidence
Scene III: Minute to Win It
Act 3
Scene I: POW--Powerful Opening Words
Scene II: Practice--The Art of Imperfection
Act 4
Scene I: Model Communications
Scene II: What They Hear
Scene III: What They See
Scene IV: Visual Aids
Act 5
Scene I: Q&A Placement
Scene II: Q&A Mastery
Act 6
Scene I: The Order of Things
Scene II: The Power of Three
Act 7
Scene I: “I Don’t Know”
Scene II: Brand Repair
Act 8
Scene I: Opposing Views
Act 9
Scene I: Stand Up For Your Message
Scene II: Engaging Conference Calls
Scene III: Impactful Emails
Act 10
Scene I: Taking Sides (of the room)
Scene II: Professional Appearance
Act 11
Scene I: Distracted Decision-Makers
Scene II: Storytelling
Act 12
Scene I: The Importance of Timing
Epilogue: Raising Your Visibility