Whenever you have an opportunity as a LEADER, knowing your audience is essential.
Let me tell you a funny story. I was leading a department in a company in which vendors would visit all the time trying to sell me their products and ideas. On this particular day I had a very eager intern start who wore a suit to work. I had on jeans and a t-shirt because I was going to observe some things in the field. This was common for me because at this stage of my career I was a very hands-on leader. It was important for me to understand all the details if I were to manage correctly.
A particular vendor was scheduled to come and do a pitch for me so I invited the intern to observe and gain some insight on how vendor presentations went. I asked him not to do any talking and just observe. He felt so much more comfortable after that.
When we got into the meeting the vendor presented to the intern the ENTIRE time. The vendor didn't even give me a handout. We did not do introductions and they did not know their audience. The vendor NEVER made eye contact with me and at the end of the presentation they asked my intern if he had any questions, he looked at me and I just shook my head no. They asked for my interns card to follow up on their presentation and he said, "I don't have one". I politely handed the CEO my card and if you could have seen the look on his face. He hastily said "Mr. Sims if you have questions, please call us". I simply replied, "my intern will give you a call if I have any questions, he has all the materials".
Well that was a presentation for approximately 2-3 million dollars worth of software that the vendor failed miserably on. I learned a valuable lesson that day, ALWAYS know your audience and never judge a book by its cover. Leaders always KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.
I love my momma
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