Remember Under Pressure

She was frozen. Standing in front of a room full of her peers and upper management, she didn’t know what to say. How could this happen?

This is her project, she’s the lead, she knows everything about what’s going on. But now, she’s reading her slides and flipping through her notebook. And, beginning to sweat.

Her audience of upper management is stirring in their seats and starting to look at each other, their phones, and anywhere other then her presentation.

This was supposed to go well. This was her opportunity to impress and get her name out there.

It didn’t go well. Her friend overheard some talk, as people exited the meeting, that they were disappointed, bored, and a little confused as to what was going on with the project. Not the news she wanted to hear, as they eat lunch.

A few weeks later, an announcement came out with a position opening up, and she wanted it. It was a great opportunity to grow her career and make more money. When she mentioned it to her boss, his response was not encouraging, and she picked up on his notes about her ability to present and get important information across. She couldn’t help but reflect on that last stage-gate meeting.

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I received an email. It was from a project lead looking to improve her skills and prepare for her next promotion. When we spoke, she shared the story above and asked if I could help.

As she got into more detail, one of the things that stood out to me was how well she knew her stuff. Another thing that stood out was how she started to stumble under certain pressure.

I suggested she work on her memory through the COLDr system. It gave her the skills to tie together her expert knowledge within easy to remember systems. So easy that no matter the pressure remembering is a cinch.

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It worked. Her next presentation felt effortless. The one after that was natural and confident. And after that, it was easy and she began to have fun with it.

It showed too. Upper management was paying attention. They asked questions. They even chuckled at a joke.

And the feedback she got at lunch reenforced her beliefs. Her friend, as she does, continued to overhear the talk with positive comments and thoughts that she clearly had her projects under control.

She still has to wait for that next promotion to open up, but the feedback from her boss has changed. Her and I are working to make sure she stays top of mind for her management. She is going to be offered that promotion, so she won’t even have to ask.