Talking to senior leaders and partners can be intimidating, but also rewarding. You can learn from their experience, gain their trust, and influence their decisions. However, you need to communicate effectively and respectfully to make a good impression and avoid misunderstandings. Here are some tips on how to talk to senior leaders and partners in the context of leadership development.
Before you talk to senior leaders and partners, do some research on their background, role, goals, and preferences. Find out what they care about, what challenges they face, and what language they use. This will help you tailor your message, tone, and style to their needs and expectations. You will also show that you respect their time and expertise, and that you are prepared and professional.
In my opinion knowing your audience is very important. As a CEO the staff members who have done some digging and research before meeting me always stand out! They can build rapport and know what type of person I am. One new member of staff stopped me in the corridor on my first day back from a vacation to have a chat. They said "I bet you'd rather be back on the beach sipping a cocktail?" to which I replied with a curt "You've got to be joking, I can't wait to get back, I'm refreshed and raring to go!" Know your audience before opening your mouth!
First, be prepared before engaging with senior leaders. Understand the purpose of the communication, gather relevant information, and anticipate potential questions or concerns. Second, focus on Key Points and highlight the most critical information first and then provide additional details as necessary. Senior leaders and partners typically want to get to the core of the matter quickly. Third, if you're discussing a problem, be prepared to offer potential solutions. Problem-solving and critical thinking are highly valued by senior leaders and partners.
As a business relationships coach, I recognize the value of research and the skills to build rapport. Here are 3 things you can do to quickly find a connection: - find out what their LinkedIn profile says. Where did they go to college? In what town did they get their first job? What does their career path look like? What do they say about their hobbies? Who do they follow? - Find out what is special or unusual about these places. Maybe some historical event. Maybe a celebrity went to the same college? Maybe there was a specific turn in their career? - Ask them to tell you a story about it. Ask them about their experience related to that unusual and special thing. Ask something they'll be proud to talk about. Show your interest in them.
Senior leaders and partners are busy and have limited attention spans. They want to hear the main points, not the details. Therefore, you need to be clear and concise when you talk to them. Use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and structure your message logically. Start with the most important or relevant information, then provide some supporting evidence or examples, and end with a clear call to action or recommendation. Avoid rambling, repeating, or digressing from your topic.
Talking to senior leaders and partners is not a one-way street. You also need to listen and ask questions to show interest, respect, and curiosity. Listening will help you understand their perspective, concerns, and feedback. Asking questions will help you clarify any doubts, explore any opportunities, and demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, be careful not to interrupt, challenge, or contradict them in a rude or aggressive way. Instead, use open-ended and respectful questions that invite dialogue and collaboration.
Talking to senior leaders and partners requires a balance of confidence and humility. You need to be confident in your knowledge, skills, and ideas, but also humble enough to admit your limitations, mistakes, and gaps. Confidence will help you convey your credibility, authority, and enthusiasm. Humility will help you show your willingness to learn, improve, and grow. However, avoid being arrogant, defensive, or insecure. Instead, be honest, respectful, and positive.
Talking to senior leaders and partners is not the end of the conversation. You need to follow up and follow through to maintain the relationship and achieve your goals. Follow up by sending a thank-you note, summarizing the key points, and confirming the next steps. Follow through by delivering on your promises, updating them on your progress, and seeking their feedback. This will help you show your appreciation, professionalism, and accountability.
Talking to senior leaders and partners is a valuable opportunity to learn and improve your leadership and communication skills. You can learn from their insights, feedback, and advice, and apply them to your own development. You can also improve your skills by practicing, seeking feedback, and reflecting on your performance. This will help you become a more effective and influential leader who can talk to senior leaders and partners with confidence and respect.
Or be yourself… treat everyone as humans who you might just have a connection with or might not… my experience has been that as long as I am my authentic self I have no need to ‘be different or deferent’ towards those in senior or authority positions… No one person is more important that anyone else, be as curious about senior leaders as those who can do absolutely nothing for you and you might find that life becomes more grounded and full of more joy and opportunity than you ever expected…