Say Less – Earn More

“That’s great! Have a good night!”

That is me, tiptoeing backwards. Because the other person won’t stop speaking.

Sure, there’s a technique for handling this. But unfortunately not one that I ever mastered.

“Did you say goodbye? I have a great story about goodbyes.”

Oh no. Oh no.

“Hang on just a second, I’ll walk with you.”

It’s not that I’m reserved with words. Actually I like to talk, a lot. But not all the time, not with everyone, and generally not at work. I’m there to work.

Executives do not talk a lot.

• They’re busy.
• They’re afraid of saying something wrong.
• They’re immersed in the culture of power.

Powerful people know: The more available you are, the less valuable.

That is why – although communicators bang their heads against the while trying to get executives to speak – they are normally very restrained. They:

• Say less.
• Write shorter emails.
• Avoid extensive interaction day-to-day.

If you want to actually become a rich executive, you first have to think and act like one.

Hollywood agents know it – now you do too.

Overexposure kills the brand.

Dannielle Blumenthal is a seasoned communications professional with nearly two decades of progressive, varied experience in the public sector, private sector, and academia. Currently she is a public servant, as well as an independent freelance writer. This blog, like all of her public content, is written in her personal capacity unless otherwise noted. It does not reflect the views of the U.S. government, in whole or in part. Photo credit: Alden Jewell / Flickr