Clients and big bosses are not persuaded by bluster and banter. Sure they want to experience clarity and confidence but they expect substance over swagger every time. In my experience, a person who presents solid facts in a genuine manner will always have a lasting impact, even if their style is understated and subtle. I have seen loudmouths frequently hushed by bosses who realised their clients were turned off by their OTT performance.

What really makes a mark in a boardroom these days is authenticity and that is where all of your energy should be directed. Having the confidence to be yourself, allowing your true personality to shine, is very appealing to others. I have worked with loudmouths and more retiring types. The latter usually won the room. They tended to wait until others had finally shut up and then would deliver insight with lucidity and aplomb. Honestly, it was masterful how the unassuming team members impressed the most. They may have felt like you do at some point in their career but they seemed to just hone in on the details that others had missed. They were inevitably better listeners than the self-promoters so when they spoke, everyone listened to what they had to say. Take a leaf from their book: focus, listen and be true to yourself. Let the blowhards carry on: there’s room in the world for all sorts.

The Honest Boss: “I’m struggling to work alongside the giant egos of my colleagues”