To be taken seriously, do 6 simple things: '99% of people' don’t, says executive coach

"Start communicating like someone who deserves to be taken seriously and others will follow suit," says executive coach Melody Wilding, author of "Managing Up."

To be taken seriously, do 6 simple things: '99% of people' don’t, says executive coach

TL;DR

  • Package ideas by focusing on outcomes and return on investment, not just accomplished tasks.
  • Communicate concisely to sound more credible and demonstrate understanding.
  • Build consensus and address concerns one-on-one before formal meetings.
  • Prioritize making decisive recommendations rather than hedging or being solely focused on being 'right'.
  • Make yourself promotable by documenting processes and training others, ensuring you are not indispensable.
  • Frame 'no' responses constructively by offering alternatives, rather than outright refusal.