If it hasn’t happened already, at some point in your career you will be invited to a meeting or have a personal meet-and-greet with a senior leader or client. Here are seven (7) important lessons learned working with corporate CEOs/Presidents, commanding generals, managing directors, and celebrities.
1. Move quickly when summoned: When you get the call from the executive assistant to the organizations’ top boss - grab the most recent reports on your current key projects and get going. Arrive for the meeting 5 minutes before you’re scheduled to be there.
2. Listen twice as much as you speak: Enough said.
3. Follow their lead: If the head honcho wants to start off with polite chit chat or dive right into the topic at hand, let them set the pace and topics of discussion.
4. Be prepared to think and talk on your feet: Whether you’re tagging along to your boss’ presentation to the senior leadership team or having a 10-minute face-to-face introduction to the president’s chief of staff, be prepared to give a 60-second “elevator pitch”/description of yourself, your career, or your most recent projects.
5. Offer advice only if asked: Even if you’re nervous, don’t offer your suggestions or questions until you are asked to do so.
6. Speak in sound bites: People at that level are extremely scheduled and very busy. Talk clearly, concisely, and quickly, and remember time is money!
7. Leave them with a brief story or anecdote: If there is an opportunity to make small talk at the end of your encounter, share a personal story such as a great interview they gave in a recent media outlet, receiving an award, or some fact that you have in common, such as going to the same college or knowing the same person.
Truth is, people in the executive or penthouse suite are not like us. This week do a little due diligence to be prepared for that chance to meet a senior leader. Remember that no matter how brief – even 10 minutes of face-to-face time can put you on the radar and unlock a whole new world of opportunities.