How to Work with Executives
(From
Secrets to Winning at Office Politics
by Marie G. McIntyre, Ph.D.)
All
material on yourofficecoach.com
is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre.
All rights reserved.
May
be reproduced for non-commercial use with copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com.
Commercial use requires permission: email
mmcintyre@yourofficecoach.com .
Managing your
boss is one thing; working with executives can be quite another. Because
they have a tremendous amount of power, high-level executives are accustomed to
doing and saying whatever they want, making them a unique breed that must be
handled with care. Although many managers like to call themselves
“executives”, only a few really have extensive power, so let’s be specific about
the people who belong in this category. In the business world, we’re
talking about the CEO or President of a company – and if it’s a really large
organization, possibly their direct reports as well. In the public sector,
elected officials and high-level political appointees are really the only ones
who qualify. If you are a lowly peon who is fortunate enough – or
unfortunate enough, depending on your point of view – to interact with these
exalted beings, the following guidelines may help you keep your sanity.
And possibly your job.
1. Don't
ever tell executives that they "can't" do anything.
Nothing riles an executive more than being told they can’t do something –
because you know what? They can if they want to. So saying “you
can’t” will only start an argument that you will inevitably lose. When
you’re trying to keep your particular executive from doing something really
stupid, try beginning your sentence with “Yes, we can do that, but let me ask
you something . . .”, followed by whatever question or concern you may have.
Amazingly enough, that simple acknowledgement of their power usually keeps them
calm.
2. Talk
fast.
Executives are busy people with tight schedules. They are also very bright
people who can absorb information quickly without a lot of explanation.
And even if more explanation would be helpful, you’re not going to have a chance
to give it. Start with your most important points and move quickly, but be
prepared for them to pepper you with questions after about three sentences.
Executives don’t want to listen to a monologue. They want to control the
conversation, get the information they need, and move on to their next
appointment.
3. Don't
expect specific instructions.
Executive brains are usually shifting quickly from one big, important issue to
the next, so their instructions are typically about half clear. If you
press for specifics, they will become annoyed and decide that you are not too
bright. To successfully work with executives, you must possess a certain
amount of psychic ability. You must also develop a solid relationship with
the Administrative Assistant, who has already learned to read the executive’s
mind. If you will be working with the executive on a regular basis, the AA
is your new best friend.
4. Make
it happen.
Once they have issued some vague directive, executives don’t want to hear about
that issue again. In their mind, it has been dealt with – by giving it to
you – and they have moved on to other matters. They will only return to it
if something seems to be going wrong – and you don’t want that kind of
attention. Avoid going back for more instruction or information. If
you can’t figure it out yourself, use your networking contacts or pay a visit to
the AA.
5. Take
care of the details.
Although you received hazy instructions and are not permitted to return for
clarification, you are nevertheless expected to produce a result that is perfect
in every respect. Executives hate to deal with details themselves, but
they expect flawless execution, assume that all unanticipated obstacles will be
overcome, and have absolutely no tolerance for sloppy work. After all,
they probably had to meet some pretty tough expectations themselves in order to
rise to their lofty position.
6. Don't
take any abuse personally. Executives can talk to people pretty much any way
they want, because, after all, who’s going to stop them? That doesn’t make
it right, of course. It’s just another unfortunate fact of life. If
you’re forced to deal with an executive who yells, curses, or hurls insults,
keep in mind that it’s not about you. This is just a high-level person
with bad manners. Of course, if the abuse becomes intolerable, you always
have the right to stand up for yourself – just recognize that you may be risking
your job. When you have the opportunity to exercise power yourself, please
do not emulate this childish behavior. Try to be an Adult.
7. Lose
your ego.
Executives were good enough to make it to the top – or very close to the top.
They are paid high salaries, given expensive cars, and surrounded with fawning
underlings. Hardly anyone ever tells them if they screw up. So
executive egos are usually huge, leaving no room for your own little ego
problems. If you bring your ego to the party, you’ll soon find yourself in
a power struggle with an executive – and guess who usually wins those?
8. Keep
your self-confidence.
Ego is not helpful, but self-assurance is a must. Executives despise
wimps. They stepped over plenty of those mealy-mouthed people on their way
to the summit. You must therefore master the art of displaying
self-confidence while respectfully acknowledging their authority. If you
are too deferential or submissive, you will lose all credibility and be viewed
as having limited potential.
9.
Hang on to your sense of humor! You will definitely need it.
Working directly with executives
can be a challenge, but they are usually bright, savvy people who can be
excellent role models and mentors. So put up with their quirks and learn
as much as you can. The stress level may be high, but hanging around
people who possess immense power is always interesting.
All
material on yourofficecoach.com
is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre.
All rights reserved.
May
be reproduced for non-commercial use with copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com.
Commercial use requires permission: email
mmcintyre@yourofficecoach.com .
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