Dear PR Matters,
I work in the communications group of a medium-sized company, and have been tasked to assist in selecting gifts for top clients. These are people who have almost everything, and my boss would like to give them something memorable.
I know this may be a last-minute thing, but since you and your group are quite experienced in selecting gifts, what would you recommend for those top-notch executives who have everything? What do you think they will appreciate?
Your tips will be helpful and really appreciated.
Sincerely,
Angelica G.
Dear Angelica,
Thank you for your letter. My International Public Relations Association colleagues and I would like to share with you that from our experience, people who supposedly have everything do really appreciate even the simplest gift—as long as it comes from the heart. You will be surprised how even the littlest token will mean a lot to top-notch executives, as long as this comes with a lot of sincerity.
But since you are asking for gift suggestions, one gift which topnotch executives will appreciate is a book. They are endlessly in search for new ideas, and nothing stimulates them like a good book. You’ll be surprised how even younger executives turn to books as knowledge therapy. This gift will even be more appreciated if it is something that interests them. In an article in Marketing Profs Inc., Minda Zetlin suggests that there are four personality types. Here are the best books to give each one.
Zetlin said “everyone is different, but Executive Coach Wendy Capland identified four distinct kinds of leaders: the envisioner, the feeler, the doer and the analyzer.”
“Most people combine styles,” she added, “but lean on one. A book that reflects our own style is most likely to make an impact.” Here are her suggestions for each type.
- Envisioners. Envisioners love to look at the big picture, think outside the box, and ask, “What if…?” They’re great at plans, but may be weak on details. Zetlin recommends three books envisioners will love:
How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations by Dave and Wendy Ulrich
“We work for meaning, not money,” Zetlin said. “Based on thousands of interviews, this book helps bring meaning to the workplace.
The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte
“Beginning with the world Alone and ending with Work, poet and visionary David Whyte sees the lessons in 52 ordinary words.
Powerful Practices for Leaders by Jennifer Garvery Berger and Keith Johnston
Berger and Johnston highlight three practices that help solve complex problems in even in the face of the unknown.
- Feelers. For feelers, relationships are top priority. They’re great at engaging employees and customers, but may worry too much about other people’s opinions.“The feelers you know will love these three books,” Zetlin said.
What It Takes to be an Authentic Leader by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones
“Authentic leaders stay themselves while achieving results,” Zetlin said. “This book explains how.”
Transforming Our Relationship with Ourselves, Each Other and the World by Rosamund Stone Zander
rosamund Zander shows how changing the stories we tell ourselves can change our lives for the better.
A Bold Alternative to the Worst “Best” Practices of Business Today by Susan Scott
This is all about fierce leadership, as some “best practices” actually make things worse. This book helps leaders replace them with approaches that work.
- Analyzers. Analyzers are data-driven and base their decisions on facts. They make smart choices, but can be slow to take risks. Zetlin suggests three books that will appeal to the analyzer on your list.
Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow
This is about developing an everyone culture. “The best companies put employee growth at the center of their strategies,” Zetlin said. “This book explains how.”
Turning Uncertainty into Breakthrough Opportunities by Ram Charan
ram Charan shows us how we can succeed in a changing and uncertain world by seeing the opportunity in uncertainty.
Why Smart Leaders Put People Before Numbers by Bill Conatay and Ram Charan
This shows how executives can become talent masters and how they can learn the best ways to “hire, retain and develop the most talented workers.”
- Doers. Doers are results oriented and quick to take action. They get the job done, but they can also be very outspoken and shortsighted. Zetlin suggests three books doers will appreciate.
Creating Behavior that Lasts—Becoming the Person You Want to Be by Marshall Goldsmith
“External triggers set off behaviors we don’t want,” Zetlin said. “This book shows you how to stop reacting to them.”
Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins
The first 90 days in a leadership role are a crucial time for anyone, and this book by Watkins can help you succeed.
The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan and Charles Buck
larry Bossidy, Ram Charan and Charles Buck share tips on how to create an execution culture within your company—one that consistently delivers results.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the UK based International Public Relations Association, the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the senior vice president for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the local chairman.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.