Career Chemistry: Sr. Leadership 1-on-1s That Spark Success

1-on-1 meetings with Sr. Leadership, Executives, and the C-Suite aren’t just meetings—they’re opportunities to showcase your value, gain visibility, and build relationships that propel your career forward.

With the right approach, these conversations can transform into career-defining moments. This article focuses on creating meaningful and impactful connections with leadership. These meetings offer a unique chance to:

?? Build relationships with decision-makers

?? Gain strategic insights

?? Showcase your contributions

Strategies

?? Do Your Homework

Preparation demonstrates respect, professionalism, and thoughtfulness. Research the leader’s priorities, projects, and goals, and tailor your comments or questions accordingly.

Examples:

• “I saw in the company’s quarterly update that we’re focusing heavily on [specific goal]. Are there emerging trends or areas where you think we should invest more resources?”
• “Your leadership in [specific initiative] has been impressive. I’d love to hear more about what inspired the approach and how the team can contribute further.”

?? Start with Gratitude

Acknowledging their time sets a positive tone. Gratitude shows you value their effort and insights.

Examples:

• “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’ve been looking forward to learning from your insights and exploring ways I can better support the team’s goals.”
• “I appreciate you making space in your busy schedule for this conversation—it means a lot to have the opportunity to hear your perspective.”

?? Share Impact Stories

Highlighting your achievements is a chance to showcase your contributions and their outcomes. Sharing specific, measurable impacts demonstrates your value in concrete terms.

Examples:

• “Recently, I led [project/initiative], which resulted in [specific measurable result, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, or improved customer satisfaction]. I’m proud of the outcome and eager to find similar opportunities to drive results.”
• “I spearheaded [process improvement], which reduced [specific metric] by 20% in just three months. I’d love to explore how this approach could be scaled further across teams.”
• “One of my favorite recent projects was [specific task]. It gave me the chance to [specific skill or accomplishment], and I’d love your input on how to deepen my expertise in this area."

?? Ask Big-Picture Questions

Engage leadership by exploring their perspective on high-level goals, challenges, and opportunities, while connecting them back to the organization’s vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities. This approach demonstrates strategic thinking and a commitment to aligning your contributions with the bigger picture.

Examples:

• “What do you see as the biggest opportunity for growth in the next year, and how can teams like ours help achieve it?”
• “Are there any emerging challenges you think we should be preparing for as an organization?”
• “From your perspective, what’s been the key to maintaining our competitive edge, and how can we continue to innovate in that space?”

?? Seek Advice

Use the leader’s experience to gain valuable insights for your career development. Seeking advice shows humility and a genuine interest in learning from their expertise.

Examples:

• “Looking at your career path, what skills or qualities do you think were most instrumental to your success?”
• “What advice would you give to someone looking to transition into a leadership role within the next few years?”
• “Are there any opportunities you’d recommend I pursue to build skills that align with the company’s future priorities?”

?? Leave a Lasting Impression

End with a thoughtful question or insight that highlights your strategic thinking. This ensures the conversation ends on a strong and memorable note.

Examples:

• “I’ve noticed [specific trend or challenge] in [department/industry]. One potential solution I’ve been exploring is [specific idea]. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this could align with the company’s goals.”
• “As I’ve been working on [project], I’ve realized [insight]. Do you see this as an area where we should invest more attention, or are there higher-impact priorities to focus on?”
• “It’s clear that [specific goal] is critical for the company’s future. If I wanted to contribute more in this area, what would you recommend as a starting point?”

?? Pro Tip

Frame the conversation around mutual value by highlighting how your contributions support their priorities while seeking their insights to guide your development.

This balance demonstrates that you’re not only invested in your growth but also committed to advancing organizational success. For example:

• “Here’s how my current work aligns with [specific goal]. Are there other areas where I can make an impact?”
• “Your advice on [specific topic] would help me contribute even more effectively to the company’s vision.”

Final Thoughts

1-on-1s with Sr. Leadership and the C-Suite are more than just visibility opportunities—they’re a chance to align with the company’s vision, share your value, and deepen relationships with key decision-makers. By preparing thoughtfully, sharing impactful stories, seeking advice, and engaging with strategic questions, you can leave a lasting impression and position yourself as a key contributor to organizational success.

Dee xo