Moment of Truth #5 - Your Welcome Speech

In UK politics it´s the speech at 10 Downing St after the election, and in business it’s the townhall. It´s what I call the 5th Moment of Truth for a new leader – the "Welcome Speech".

How many have you heard in your career and how many do you remember?

Did the leader convey clarity on the challenge, demonstrate a willingness to listen and learn, and communicate what they wanted to deliver? Were they thinking of their audience who were listening out for the “what´s in it for me?”.

It is your moment to be clear on who you are, the values and goals that you represent, your style and how you plan to conduct business.

Looking back at my debuts in Russia and Brazil, I spoke hesitatingly in the local language with the message that I realised that I was a guest in the country. Certainly as painful for them as it was for me! Coming back to head up the Irish operation after the economic crash was different, and this time fluency was not the issue. Rather, it was how to establish myself as someone with fresh ideas that they could get behind.

This is the first MOT when you are actually in the job. Remember, it´s not what you intend but what people hear so seek out feedback, and listen carefully to see if your message has landed.