How to Speak to the C-Suite - A Primer
As a Product Management, I want to know how to speak with C-Suite Executives for maximum gain, and minimum pain
This week, I had the unfortunate situation of having to break potentially really bad news to the most powerful person in my technology org.
This C-Suite is impatient, excessively direct, and has a habit of honing in on the few specific details they do not like on any call.
For this specific issue, I had been told by this specific C-Suite on at least 4 different occasions that we need to do all in our power to avoid such problems.
This was brought to my attention the Friday of Labor Day Weekend - a holiday in the United States. As such, the majority of workers were out of office.
It occurred when an expensive client messaged our internal team - including our top VP of Customer Success, that an issue was present that required immediate action.
Like any good remote employee - I had left my device on a busy status at home and was on whole 6 of 18 when I peeked at my phone and saw the unfortunate Slack message.
Oh f*ck yelled to my cart mate.
I had some serious damage control to do. I immediately started hatching a plan
Knowing the seriousness that my C-Suite took this specific issue, I needed to triage this completely above board. A mistake will get you a tongue-lashing - a cover-up exposed will get you fired.
Fortunately, I had time on my side. Most of the powers that be were out of office - including the C-Suite who I would need to brief in a Task Force Meeting.
I had an extra long weekend to prepare for how to break the news.
How to think about the most important people at your company
We all like to think we’re rebel mavericks, following the truth wherever it may lead. This attitude will not help you when speaking with those in the C-Suite.
This is one critical rule when dealing with the Executives in your org.
Do not bite that hand that feeds you.
You exist at the behest of the C-Suite.
They can fire you.
They can promote you.
They allocate and sign off on all money set aside the money for every raise and fat bonus you receive.
Keep this in mind when dealing with anyone in the power seat. They can take your head if they so choose.
A certain level of respect and deference is required when dealing with them. It does not matter if they suck at their job. It does not matter if they are a garbage human being. They wield a power that outranks you. Be wary.
Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way…
PROGRAMMING BREAK
The rest of this article is for paid subscribers where we walk through how to think for and plan C-Suite meetings, with a live example of what White Belt did in this instance. Want to read on?
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