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Hyper-speed managers: at a loss to engage busy executives? Grab their attention with fast and focused communication techniques.

Article Excerpt
Well that didn't go the way I expected," Pat muttered as we walked out of a meeting. "In fact, it didn't go very well at all. Why does my boss feel the need to take over my project updates?"

Pat had started his meeting with a list of accomplishments on the current project, but it was soon clear that his boss wanted to cut to the chase. "I know she has a dozen things on her plate, but I worry that she's going to miss critical information that could change the direction of the project," said Pat. "How can I get her to really listen when she's in 'fast-lane' mode?"

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Pat's concern is all too familiar. The 21st century workplace is teeming with partially attentive bosses and staff members who struggle to operate effectively in their leaders' orbits. Dysfunctional information exchanges are frustrating and costly, often translating into missed deadlines, additional work and lowered morale.

Hyper-speed bosses can be a challenge, but there are ways to trade information efficiently with them. Pat needed to start thinking of his boss as a new kind of audience--and soon he was predicting her reactions and behavior in almost any situation.

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