You remember what it felt like preparing strategy presentations for your boss? Often changing charts until the last second because of vague briefings? Of course you couldn't come along for the presentation. After all senior executives, sometimes even board members, were present. The boss wanted all the glory for himself.

Leaders are different, they empower their experts and take them along to the high-ranking meetings. Not only that, they also let them present their own work!

Leaders don't claim to know and do everything themselves. They are smart enough to know that nobody would believe that anyway. Great leaders make sure that they have the best people working with them and they open doors for them. Taking them along to high-ranking meetings and letting them perform live is one expression of their confidence in their employees abilities. During the meeting, they will make sure that the presenting employee can focus on doing his thing and doesn't get caught in any of the common political battles. What I found to be especially useful is that they also share great recipes against stage fright :-)

At the end, everybody profits:

• The company, because it gets great strategies and highly motivated employees.
• The leader, because the best people will want to work with him, further adding to his reputation.
• The employees, because they gain the exposure necessary to advance.

By the way: I have never met a board member, who had an issue with experts presenting great work.

I look forward to your comments.